From the Daily Tribune

By Maxine Agno

Following the arrest of former congressman Zaldy Co at the border of Germany and the Czech Republic last week, tensions regarding his legal status remain as diplomatic efforts continue without a clear update, on Monday, April 20.

Despite his detention, the Police Presidium of the Czech Republic has not provided any further details regarding the arrest or the current condition of the former lawmaker.

According to an official from the Police Presidium, the case of Zaldy Co is no longer within their immediate jurisdiction and is now being handled by the Ministry of Justice of the Czech Republic.

The official stated that the transition of the case to the Ministry indicates that the matter has moved into formal legal and extradition proceedings.

Zaldy Co, who previously represented the Ako Bicol Party-list, was declared a fugitive from justice by the Sandiganbayan earlier this year. He is facing charges related to a multi-million peso graft and malversation case involving flood control projects.

Meanwhile, Philippine authorities have confirmed they are in coordination with their counterparts in Prague to facilitate his return to the Philippines.

However, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has noted that since Co’s passport was canceled in late 2025, his travel across European borders has triggered international security alerts.

Security reports indicate that Co was intercepted while attempting to cross into Germany, leading to his immediate custody by Czech border guards.

As of present, the Ministry of Justice has not released a confirmed timeline for his deportation, as diplomatic discussions continue without a confirmed breakthrough