Former Ako Bicol Partylist representative Zaldy Co is believed to be hiding in a gated community in Lisbon, Portugal, as reported by RH Jackie Recio on DZRH Breaktime.

According to Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, authorities are confident about Co’s location based on ongoing surveillance but face challenges approaching him due to the strict security in the area.

“Nasa Portugal siya. We’re pretty certain nasa Lisbon siya. Isang gated community,” Remulla said during a radio interview.

Co reportedly seldom leaves his residence and mostly stays within the gated community, limiting the operatives’ actions.

“Meron kaming operatives na tumitingin, nagsu-surveillance,” he added.

Co has been implicated in the flood control scandal, and one of the challenges in arresting him is the absence of an extradition treaty between the Philippines and Portugal.

Reports also indicate that Co holds a Portuguese passport, further complicating any potential return to the country.

Remulla earlier said that Co reportedly sent “feelers” to priests as a way of signaling his intention to engage in a "dialogue" with the authorities.

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Monday, January 19, moved to issue show-cause orders against the former congressman after he failed to appear in the investigation into the flood control scandal.