FORMER CATHOLIC Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David questioned the government’s decision to publicly announce its efforts to find former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co in France, saying the disclosure could compromise the search for the former lawmaker.
“If you are seriously trying to locate and arrest a fugitive, why announce to the media where you are going to look for him?” David said on Wednesday, Sept. 9.
The cardinal made the remark in a Facebook post after Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced plans to travel to France to coordinate with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in the search for Co, who is believed to be seeking asylum there.
David said intelligence operations require “a certain amount of discretion and confidentiality,” warning that revealing authorities’ next move could alert the former lawmaker.”
“Announcing your next move in a manhunt is practically an invitation to the fugitive, Don’t go to France,” the prelate said.
The cardinal distinguished between keeping the public informed and revealing information that could alert the person being pursued.
“Sometimes effective law enforcement requires less publicity and more intelligence,” David added.
In a media interview last Tuesday, Remulla said he would travel to Lyon, France, to follow up with Interpol on the Philippines’ request for a red notice against Co. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla also plans to travel to Paris to pursue diplomatic efforts with French authorities.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it was prepared to coordinate with French authorities through Interpol if Co is located abroad. Philippine PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said any arrest abroad would follow international protocols through Interpol and diplomatic channels.
Co, a former House appropriations committee chair, faces a P7.4-billion plunder case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman over alleged kickbacks from flood control, infrastructure and other government projects. The Sandiganbayan Third Division issued an arrest warrant against him on Sept. 7.
David’s latest remarks came months after he called for truth, justice and due process following Co’s allegations of corruption in the national budget in November 2025.
In his Nov. 14 statement, David urged Co to return to the Philippines and present his allegations before the proper authorities under oath and with credible evidence. He also stressed the need for lawful and transparent procedures in addressing the accusations.
The CBCP later discussed a more active Church role in monitoring government projects. At a Jan. 26 press conference, Caritas Philippines President Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said the bishops’ conference sought to “aid in the monitoring of the implementation of projects,” while describing corruption as systemic.
Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo had also backed public calls for accountability among officials implicated in corruption. F
