From Rappler

By Alexia Bangayan

On Tuesday, April 28 (Manila Time), Justice Secretary Freddrick Vida announced that the Former Ako Bikol party-list representative Zaldy Co is no longer held in the custody of the Czech Republic.

Speaking in Prague, Vida shared that Czech authorities had informed the Philippine delegation that Co had been released from custody, though his whereabouts remain unknown.

”I have difficult news to share, mga kababayan. Czech authorities have informed us that Mr. Zaldy Co is no longer in their custody,” he said.

According to Vida, the Czech officials did not disclose information about Co’s location due to restrictions under regional travel rules and data privacy protections.

“They were pointing to a possible police cooperation agreement, which we don’t have,” he added. 

Despite this, Vida said Co is believed to be moving within the Schengen area, where travel between member states is unrestricted.

The Justice Secretary also said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has already been informed of the concern, with discussions between the two countries ongoing regarding possible cooperation.

Vida further mentioned that initial assessments suggested Co may have been taken in due to possible immigration violations.

Authorities are continuing to trace Co’s activities, with information that he is travelling by land but refused to provide further details as it is an ”active operation.”

Vida also noted that coordination with other European countries is ongoing as officials work to verify leads and determine Co’s exact location.