The Department of Justice (DOJ) requested Interpol to issue a blue notice to track down Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co as he was supposed to return to the country on Monday or 10 days after his travel authority was revoked last Sept. 18.

"We already talked with the DOJ, and they told us that they have already requested for a blue notice and they are just waiting for the response," Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a Palace briefing on Monday.

Co, the former chairman of the House appropriations committee, has been linked to the anomalous flood control projects, submitted his irrevocable resignation as member of the House of Representatives on Monday.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure recommended that Co, some public works officials face charges before the Ombudsman over a P289.5 million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.

In his resignation letter addressed to House Speaker Faustino Dy III and Committee on Ethics and Privileges Chairman 4Ps Partylist Rep. Jonathan Abalos, Co denied the accusations of Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco against him for allegedly "masterminded, tolerated and deliberately allowed last-minute insertion and realignments" in the 2025 General Appropriations Act; for supposed violation of conduct and ethical standard for public officials and employees and for violation of House rules as he could allegedly have "acquired or received personal pecuniary interest during his incumbency as member of the House of Representatives from infrastructure projects awarded to Sunwest Inc".

"I am reserving my rights to address the sham and baseless accusations made by Representative Tiangco at the appropriate time and before the appropriate forum," Co said.

In another letter posted on his Facebook account, Co informed Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin that he will be taking a leave of absence from the party starting Monday.

"It is with great sadness that I inform you that I will be taking a leave of absence from the Ako Bicol Partylist starting today until such time as it is safe for me to return to the Philippines to resume my duties as a member and representative of our organization and to address the many false claims being made against me," he said.

"All I can tell you now is that the accusation being made against me are false. In due time, I will give my statements on the matter. At present, I can only stay silent to protect my family and myself. We are in grave danger," he added.

According to Interpol, the blue notice is an international request for cooperation "to collect additional information about a person’s identity, location or activities in relation to a criminal investigation."

Castro explained that blue notice was requested by the DOJ to monitor the whereabouts of Co.

"Our country will receive updates or information on the location of a person who is the subject of the blue notice," she said. Robina Asido/DMS