Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed various government agencies to begin the process of establishing an extradition treaty with Portugal to enable the return of Zaldy Co, a fugitive and former Ako Bicol party-list representative.

According to Philippines News Agency, during a Malaca±ang press briefing, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla disclosed that the President has instructed the authorities to formally seek an extradition arrangement with Portugal. This move is in anticipation of the arrest and return of Co, who is embroiled in the multibillion-peso flood control controversy and alleged questionable budget insertions.

Remulla noted that the President's directive was clear, stating, "Nagbigay ng instruction ang President na formally mag-a-apply na kami ng extradition treaty sa kanila kahit wala pang formal extradition treaty between the two countries." In addition to this, the government has reached out to the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to request Co's repatriation.

He further explained, "Pero through the Interpol, nagre-request na kami ng repatriation ni Zaldy Co kung nasa Portugal talaga siya." Authorities suspect that Co may be holding a Portuguese passport, adding another layer of complexity to the extradition efforts.