The Philippine National Police (PNP) is actively considering a formal proposal to offer a financial reward for information leading to the arrest of former Ako Bicol Party-list representative Zaldy Co. This move aims to intensify the manhunt for Co, who faces serious charges related to alleged widespread corruption in flood control projects.
PNP Weighs Reward System to Boost Manhunt
In a statement issued on Thursday, December 5, 2025, PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed that the police force is currently studying the implications of recommending a bounty. The PNP is strengthening its manhunt operations in collaboration with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and various local government units.
Nartatez emphasized that the PNP is also coordinating closely with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Office of the President. This partnership seeks to explore all possible avenues to expedite the ongoing efforts to locate and apprehend the former lawmaker.
Focus on Legal Means and Presidential Directive
"At this point, the PNP has not yet made a formal recommendation, but we are ready to support whatever policy decision the national government may take," Nartatez stated. He clarified that the police's primary focus remains on locating and arresting Zaldy Co using every legal tool at their disposal.
This proactive stance aligns directly with the directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to reinforce law enforcement operations. The President's order ensures that individuals in hiding, who are facing serious criminal cases, are held accountable for their actions.
Community Intelligence as a Key Tool
Lt. Gen. Nartatez highlighted the potential effectiveness of a reward system in generating crucial leads from the community. Such a system could significantly assist authorities in gathering actionable intelligence from citizens, potentially breaking the case open and leading to a swift resolution.
The PNP's comprehensive approach, combining inter-agency collaboration, presidential support, and potential community incentivization, underscores the high priority placed on resolving this major corruption case.
