April 28, 2026 — Prague, Czech Republic — Former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co, who is facing corruption and malversation charges in the Philippines over an alleged ghost flood control project, is no longer under the custody of Czech authorities, according to the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ).
Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida confirmed the development after meeting with Czech officials, following earlier claims that Co had been located and detained in the Czech Republic due to alleged documentation issues.
The statement came after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. previously announced that Co had been apprehended and was under Czech custody.
In a press briefing, Vida said Czech authorities informed the Philippine side that Co is no longer in their custody. However, he added that the former lawmaker is still believed to be within the Schengen Area, a zone of European countries with open internal borders.
Authorities did not disclose Co’s exact location or the circumstances of his departure from Czech custody. No additional details were provided regarding where he may have traveled after leaving the country.
Co is currently facing corruption and malversation charges in the Philippines related to alleged irregularities in government flood control projects involving public funds.
Philippine authorities continue to coordinate with international counterparts as efforts to track his whereabouts and pursue legal proceedings remain ongoing.