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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Zaldy Co manhunt remains a whole-of-government effort—Palace

Zaldy Co manhunt remains a whole-of-government effort—Palace

Published Feb 18, 2026 03:17 pm
PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro and former lawmaker Zaldy Co (file photos)
PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro and former lawmaker Zaldy Co (file photos)
Malacañang has clarified that the pursuit of former congressman Zaldy Co remains a task shared by the law enforcement and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro made the clarification after Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that bringing Co back to the country is no longer under his jurisdiction.
"Nakausap po natin mismo ang DILG at ang sinabi po nila, ang ibig lamang daw pong ipahiwatig ni Secretary Jonvic ay DFA ang maaaring makipag-usap state-to-state patungkol sa maaaring maitulong nang agaran ng nasabing bansa (We were able to speak directly with the DILG, and they said that what Secretary Jonvic meant to convey was simply that the DFA is the agency that can engage in state-to-state discussions regarding whatever immediate assistance the concerned country may be able to provide)," Castro said in a Palace briefing on Wednesday, Feb. 18.
However, operations related to the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) remain the responsibility of the law enforcement authorities, Castro noted.
The DFA has also clarified that Co's arrest and repatriation "involved coordinated law enforcement and judicial processes, particularly Interpol coordination."
"Secretary Remulla’s view that the matter rests solely up to the DFA does not fully capture this whole-of-government approach, which requires joint action across concerned government agencies," the DFA said in a statement.
The DFA reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and ensuring that Filipino nationals facing legal accountability return to face due process.
The Department has also encouraged the public to share any information on Co’s whereabouts.
"The DFA stands ready to provide diplomatic assistance within its mandate and in line with established protocols," it added.

Related Tags

Zaldy Co flood control anomalies DILG DFA Interpol Claire Castro
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