Photo credit: Ako Bicol Partylist and PCO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Philippine government is now working closely with authorities in Portugal to facilitate the possible return of former lawmaker Zaldy Co to the Philippines.

Speaking to reporters in New York City before flying back to Manila, Marcos explained that bringing Co home is not as simple as sending police officers abroad.

According to the president, Philippine authorities must coordinate with the country where the person is currently located because local law enforcement has no jurisdiction outside the Philippines.

“You cannot bring him home because that is not the way it works,” Marcos said. “We have to ask the assistance of the country where he is in, which is presently Portugal. So, that’s what we have done.”

Marcos emphasized that Philippine police cannot simply travel overseas and arrest someone, as such actions would violate international legal procedures.

To address the situation, the government has already requested a Red Notice from Interpol to help track Co’s movements.

A Red Notice is a global alert asking law enforcement agencies around the world to locate and provisionally arrest a person while awaiting extradition or other legal proceedings. The request is usually based on an arrest warrant or court order issued by the country seeking the individual.

“That’s the process. You do not send your own police to go and pick him up,” Marcos explained, stressing that foreign authorities must carry out any possible arrest.

Co is reportedly in Portugal and is believed to be among the key figures linked to alleged irregularities in flood control projects in the Philippines.

While his Philippine passport has already been cancelled, reports indicate that Co had obtained a Portuguese passport years ago, which could allow him to remain in Portugal.

For now, the Philippine government is relying on international cooperation to move the case forward and possibly bring the former lawmaker back to face the allegations against him.