The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co is no longer under the custody of authorities in the Czech Republic.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida made the confirmation following his meeting with officials in the Czech Republic regarding the status of Co.
Despite this development, the DOJ expressed confidence that Co remains within the Schengen area as Philippine authorities continue gathering information on his whereabouts.
According to findings from the ongoing investigation, Co was able to travel to different countries in Europe despite reportedly not having a valid passport.
Authorities explained that movement across land borders within the Schengen zone generally involves limited physical border checks compared to stricter controls at airports. This situation allowed travel across multiple countries without the same level of document inspection required at major air entry points.
Philippine authorities said coordination with European authorities remains a priority to determine Co’s exact location.
The DOJ stated that information-sharing efforts are ongoing as part of the government’s actions to locate the former lawmaker.
Officials did not provide additional details about Co’s specific movements or destinations within Europe.
The DOJ emphasized that cooperation with European authorities is continuing as investigators work to verify intelligence and monitor possible movements within the Schengen area.
Authorities said determining the precise whereabouts of Co remains a key objective as the investigation progresses.
