Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida confirmed that fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co is no longer in the custody of Czech authorities, with his whereabouts now unknown.
Vida said Co may be somewhere within the Schengen area and is no longer detained, effectively making him free despite an active effort to locate him.
Authorities declined to release further details citing privacy rules, although information suggests Co may have traveled by land using one of his multiple passports.
The Sandiganbayan had earlier issued a warrant of arrest against Co over an alleged anomalous flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.
Vida expressed confidence that Co can still be apprehended, noting that his passport has already been canceled. The development has been relayed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as efforts to track the fugitive continue.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 28, 2026
