The Department of Justice confirmed that former lawmaker and fugitive Zaldy Co is in the custody of Czech Republic authorities, but not technically arrested. The DOJ stated his liberty was merely restrained over possible immigration violations. Philippine officials are heading to Prague to discuss his cases.
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice clarified on Thursday that former lawmaker Zaldy Co was not technically arrested in the Czech Republic despite being in custody there. DOJ spokesman Polo Martinez explained that Czech authorities could not lawfully arrest him as there is no outstanding warrant abroad, with the case pending in the Philippines.
"The Czech Republic cannot lawfully arrest Zaldy Co because of course he has no outstanding warrant, the warrant exists here in the Philippines, rather, the case is pending here in the Philippines," Martinez said in an interview quoted on social media.
In a message to reporters, Martinez added that Co was subject to official law enforcement action and remains under Czech jurisdiction. "While he was not technically arrested, his liberty was restrained," he said, noting it was merely for possible immigration regulation violations. The DOJ does not yet know specific details but expects to learn soon.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, Chief State Counsel Dennis Chan, Department of Foreign Affairs officials, and representatives from the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime departed on April 23 for Prague to meet counterparts and discuss Co facing his Philippine cases.
Malacañang stated there is no contradiction between President Marcos's and the DOJ's remarks. "What the President said was Zaldy Co is under the custody of the Czech Republic due to lack of proper documentation," Communications Office Secretary Castro told reporters.
