MANILA — The government will continue pursuing former congressman Zaldy Co, businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, and ex-presidential spokesperson Harry Roque until they are brought back into custody, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Friday.
During a media forum in Manila, Remulla said authorities are making progress in tracking down Co, who is accused of graft and malversation linked to an allegedly anomalous PHP289.5-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.
Investigators believe Co is currently staying in Paris, reportedly in a large residence near the famous Champs-Élysées area, while seeking asylum.
Remulla said the Philippine government applied for an Interpol Red Notice against Co last year and remains hopeful the request will soon be granted.
He added that authorities continue coordinating with international law enforcement agencies as they tighten efforts to secure Co’s return to the Philippines.
The Interior chief also gave updates on Roque, who is facing allegations connected to human trafficking activities tied to Lucky South 99 in Pampanga.
Roque is believed to be in Austria after his Philippine passport was revoked by the Department of Foreign Affairs in November 2025.
According to Remulla, Austrian authorities could deport Roque if his asylum application is denied because he no longer holds valid travel papers.
As for Ang, Remulla said police nearly arrested him during an operation in Cavite last month, but the businessman allegedly fled before authorities arrived.
Despite the failed operation, Remulla maintained that Ang remains inside the country and is likely moving around areas in Calabarzon.
He also dismissed speculation that someone leaked information about the raid, explaining that the operation was organized only shortly before deployment and officers were not allowed to carry mobile phones.
Ang is facing non-bailable kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges tied to the disappearance of 34 sabungeros.
Authorities have already detained 20 of his co-accused and continue to offer a PHP20-million reward for information leading to his capture.
ia/xf
