Philippine authorities have former legislator Elizaldi S. There is no new information on the company's whereabouts, Malacañang said on Wednesday, amid a multi-agency effort to secure his arrest and return.
Palace press officer Clarissa A. Castro said there were no recent updates on Mr. Company's location, adding that the government would again seek information from the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission on the status of cooperation requested from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).
Amid questions over which agency is leading the search, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stressed that Mr Sa's arrest and repatriation requires a “whole-of-government approach”.
In a statement read by Ms Castro, the DFA said the process involved “coordinated law enforcement and judicial processes, particularly Interpol coordination.”
The DFA reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and said it stands ready to provide diplomatic assistance under its mandate and established protocols.
It also urged the public to share any information regarding the whereabouts of Mr Company to support the ongoing efforts.
The former lawmaker was initially believed to be in Portugal, but court documents recently filed in the Philippine Supreme Court revealed he may be in Sweden.
Mr Company, who was formerly the House Appropriations Chairman, is wanted for his contribution to unusual flood control projects in the country.
Meanwhile, Acting Justice Secretary Frederick A. Vida clarified on Wednesday that following the issuance of the precautionary stop departure order, the Justice Department no longer has the authority to grant or deny unilateral travel permission for former Public Works Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan.
Mr Bonoan told reporters on Monday that he had submitted a letter to the panel requesting permission to return to the US with his wife for a medical procedure.
“We took note of their letter,” Mr. Vida told reporters in an interview. “People covered under the Precautionary Stop Departure Order will have to seek permission from the court before travelling.”
Mr. Bonoan, along with four other respondents in the flood control plunder case, are under a travel ban issued by a Manila court while the investigation continues.
Justice spokesman Rafael Nicolo L. Martínez said in a separate briefing that the panel of prosecutors approved Mr. Bonoan's motion – not his travel request.
He said Mr Bonoan had asked the panel to allow him to file his counter affidavit before the original schedule of February 23 and submitted it on February 16. – Chloe Marie A Hufana And Erica Mae P. Sinaking