Manila: Malaca±ang announced that the Department of Justice will request the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to issue a 'blue notice' against Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co, who has left the country amid ongoing investigations into fraudulent flood control projects.

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro informed reporters via a text message that the DOJ is initiating the process to track Co's movements. Co is under investigation for allegedly receiving kickbacks from dubious flood control projects managed by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Co, who previously chaired the House Committee on Appropriations, responsible for overseeing the national budget, left the country following his implication in the multibillion-peso flood control scandal. The DOJ has since issued an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order to monitor Co's whereabouts.

In a Palace press briefing, Castro emphasized that the blue notice request to Interpol is a strategic move to ascertain Co's location. She confirmed that Co's movements are being closely watched, and the DOJ's investigation into his activities is underway.

The embattled congressman reportedly traveled to the United States last month for medical reasons. However, on September 18, House Speaker Faustino Dy III revoked Co's travel clearance, mandating his return to the Philippines within ten days.

Reports indicate that Co entered Singapore on September 16 and subsequently traveled to Madrid, Spain, on September 24.