THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) placed on Friday on its lookout list Pagadian City Mayor Samuel Co who was charged with estafa for alleged involvement in a pyramid investment scam involving Aman Futures Inc.
BI Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said he issued a lookout bulletin against Co to prevent him from leaving the country following the issuance of an arrest warrant against the mayor.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima reportedly informed David that a warrant for Co’s arrest was issued by the court.
David instructed immigration officers in all the airports and seaports to apprehend Co if he attempts to leave and turn him over to the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Photographs of Co were also transmitted to the different ports for posting in all immigration departure counters.
Earlier, the DOJ filed syndicated estafa charges against the Pagadian mayor and 11 others for their alleged involvement in the Aman Futures investment scam.
Atty. Ma. Antonette Mangrobang, BI spokesperson, said the BI is also calling on other law enforcement agencies operating at the airports, to help the bureau in ensuring the Co is not able to leave the country.
“It is not only the duty of the BI to prevent wanted persons from fleeing the country. That is also the responsibility of other government agencies. So we appeal for teamwork,” Mangrobang said.