Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida announced that former lawmaker Zaldy Co is no longer in Czech custody. He confirmed Co remains within the Schengen area. The hunt continues after an intervention last week.
MANILA, Philippines – Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida shared "difficult news" on Monday, April 27, during a press briefing at the Philippine embassy in Prague. "Czech authorities have informed us that Mr. Zaldy Co is no longer in their custody," he told reporters.
Vida stated Co is within the Schengen area, comprising 25 EU states and four non-EU countries, but exact whereabouts, exit point from Czech Republic, or departure date are unknown. He traveled by land, based on vehicle registry and driver information, though details are part of an "active operation."
Co, former House appropriations committee chairman, faces graft and malversation charges over a P289.5-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. His passport was canceled in December 2025 following a Sandiganbayan arrest warrant in November 2025. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on April 16 that Co had been "caught" in the Czech Republic, but Malacañang clarified it was a general term, not a literal arrest.
On April 17, Marcos said Co was stopped at the German border after entering from Czech Republic and returned to Czech authorities. Czech police confirmed an "intervention." Vida traveled to Prague to facilitate Co's return but conceded "yes, he is free" as he is no longer detained.
