This, as the Czech government confirmed that he is no longer under their custody.
On Tuesday (April 28, Manila time), Department of Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida confirmed that Czech officials have disclosed that fugitive former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co is no longer with them after his arrest over a week ago.
“I have to share difficult news, mga kababayan. Czech authorities have informed us that Mr. Zaldy Co is no longer in their custody,” said Vida.
While he is not able to confirm the Co’s current location, he noted that the former Congressman is within the Schengen area or within the border of European Union states, as well as its four non-member countries.
In response to that, the Malacañan Palace said the Philippine government will coordinate with foreign counterparts to facilitate the return of Zaldy Co to the Philippines.
“Nananatiling matatag ang posisyon ng pamahalaan.” said Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a Palace press briefing.
She continued, “We will work with foreign governments through every legal channel available, under international laws, to bring Zaldy Co home and face the graft and malversation cases filed against him.”
Co is facing charges of corruption and malversation of public funds in connection with alleged ghost flood-control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“Gagawin natin ang lahat ng naaayon sa batas at sa diplomatikong proseso,” Castro noted.
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs has reported received highly reliable information that Zaldy Co has a pending petition for political asylum in France.
The Palace official also confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself is set to meet with officials of France and the Czech Republic to discuss the matter.
“Sa ating pagkakaalam ay magkakaroon sila ng pag-uusap. Si Pangulo po ay makikipag-usap sa Ambassador of France bukas ng hapon. At sa ating pagkakaalam, ang ambassador ng Czech Republic ay wala sa Pilipinas, kaya iniimbitahan din po ng Pangulo ang chargé d’affaires,” she stated.
Castro said that Malacañang received information from Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Fredderick Vida and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro about Co. The undersecretary also said that such matters require intensive diplomatic processes and coordination at the highest levels.
“Sa kasalukuyan, kumpirmadong wala na sa kustodiya ng Czech authorities si Zaldy Co…All missions in Europe have been instructed to obtain further official confirmation,” the official furthered.