A week after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced Zaldy Co's capture in the Czech Republic, the Department of Justice said it has no specific information on the fugitive lawmaker's location. Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida indicated it is possible Co has left the country. Authorities are pursuing an Interpol red notice.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on April 16 the intervention of Zaldy Co, former Ako Bicol party-list representative, in the Czech Republic due to an immigration violation. Co faces malversation and graft charges related to corruption in flood control projects in Oriental Mindoro. Marcos promised Co's return to the Philippines at the soonest possible time.
In a remote briefing on April 24, Vida said he had 'no relevant and validated information' on Co's whereabouts. 'No specific answer yet,' he told reporters, adding it was 'possible' Co had left the Czech Republic. The DOJ offered no guarantee that Co remains there.
The DOJ clarified Co was not 'technically arrested' but his liberty was restrained, similar to an immigration denial at an airport. Spokesperson Rafael Martinez likened it to a deprivation of liberty. Malacañang stated there was no contradiction with the president's remarks that Co was in Czech custody due to lack of proper documentation.
A Philippine delegation, including Chief State Counsel Dennis Chan, DFA and PNP-PCTC officials, is in Prague exploring options like an Interpol red notice and deportation under the UN Convention Against Corruption. Another team will bring required documents.
