MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) is awaiting a response from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) on its request for a blue notice against Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, Malacañang said Monday.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the DOJ has already made the request, but no update has been received yet on Co’s location.

“Nakausap po natin ang DOJ at sinabi po sa atin na sila ay nakapag-request for blue notice. At hinihintay na lamang po siguro ang response,” Castro told reporters.

She clarified that a blue notice does not authorize arrest but only allows monitoring of a person’s movements. “Ang blue notice naman po kasi ay hindi naman po ito karapatan para arestuhin. Ito po ay pagmo-monitor lang kung saan siya nagpupunta… Ibibigay po at ia-update po ang bansa natin kung nasaan po at ano po ang lokasyon nang nasabing tao na subject ng blue notice,” Castro said.

Co has been linked to the alleged multi-billion-peso flood control project scam and is accused of receiving kickbacks. Reports indicate he may have traveled to Paris, France, after leaving for the United States to seek medical treatment.

House Speaker Faustino Dy III revoked Co’s travel clearance on September 18 and ordered him to return to the country within 10 days. As of press time, Co has not responded to the directive. (PNA)