Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida confirmed on Tuesday that former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co is no longer in the custody of Czech authorities, describing the development as "difficult news" for the Philippine government.
Philippine officials received formal notification from the Czech Ministry of Justice that the fugitive former lawmaker had moved beyond their jurisdiction, though he is believed to remain within the European Union’s Schengen Area.
Vida explained during a press conference in Prague that the Philippine government is now tracking Co’s movements through land travel, noting that authorities have identified the registry of the vehicle he is currently using.
“Czech authorities have informed us that Mr. Zaldy Co is no longer in their custody,” Vida said. “What we can confirm is that he is within the Schengen area. That is the workable intel that we have.”
Malacañang previously stood by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s April 16 announcement that Co had been apprehended in Prague for entering the country without proper documentation.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro defended the earlier report, asserting it was "not premature" because it reflected the facts available at that specific time.
Efforts to secure more granular details on Co's current location have been met with legal hurdles. Vida noted that European officials have repeatedly cited strict data privacy laws and the lack of a bilateral police cooperation agreement as reasons for the limited information sharing.
“We are working across sovereign borders. Every country has its own laws, processes, and timelines, and we cannot compel a foreign government,” Vida added.
Co remains a fugitive from justice, facing charges of corruption and malversation before the Sandiganbayan.
These charges stem from an alleged ₱289-million "ghost" flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.
While the Philippine government had requested an Interpol Red Notice in late 2025, his recent detention in the Czech Republic was reportedly based on local immigration violations rather than the international warrant.
Written by Czairine Quimoyog, Insight PH
Czairine Quimoyog, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
