MANILA — Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday called on overseas Filipinos to assist in the arrest of former representative and now international fugitive Zaldy Co.

“Nakikiusap kami sa lahat ng mga Pilipino sa buong mundo na kung makita nila si Zaldy Co, kung puwede nilang picturan at ipost kaagad sa internet para may idea tayo kung nasaan siya,” Remulla said during a press briefing at Malacañang.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier urged Co to return to the Philippines and assured the public that the ongoing probe into flood control projects will not lead to a disappointing conclusion.

Co has been implicated in the largest corruption issue involving ghost flood control projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways, as well as budget insertions in the House of Representatives.

Remulla said Co is suspected to be in Portugal and may hold a Portuguese passport. “We believe he is a holder of two passports. Not only a visa, but two passports. Doon ‘yung may complications tayo nang konti,” he added.

He emphasized that a whole-of-government approach is being implemented to ensure Co’s arrest, with the DILG, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Justice, and Ombudsman working to achieve “a satisfying outcome on the repatriation of Co.”

Details of the former congressman’s repatriation are being coordinated by the DFA, Remulla said.

Regarding other individuals involved in the ghost flood control projects, Remulla assured that arrests will follow after the Ombudsman issues the proper warrants. “Capturing them is not the issue, they’re in the Philippines. Mahahanap ‘yan. It is the wheels of justice turning, and hinihintay natin,” he said.

He also reiterated his previous statement on the capture of “bigger fish” linked to the corruption scandal.