DOJ seeks Interpol ‘blue notice’ to track Rep. Zaldy Co

Malacañang on Friday confirmed that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will ask the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to issue a “blue notice” against Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, who left the country while under investigation for alleged kickbacks in multibillion-peso flood control projects.

“Latest from DOJ is that they will request for blue notice,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro told reporters in a text message.

A blue notice allows Interpol member states to collect information on a person’s identity, location, or activities in relation to a crime.

Co, a former chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, is being probed for allegedly benefiting from anomalous flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

He left for the United States last month for medical treatment but was later tracked traveling to Singapore on Sept. 16 before flying out to Madrid, Spain, on Sept. 24.

The DOJ earlier issued an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order against Co, while House Speaker Faustino Dy III revoked his travel clearance on Sept. 18 and ordered him to return to the country within 10 days.

Castro said authorities are closely monitoring Co’s movements as the DOJ begins its formal probe.