Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co (left), former president Rodrigo Duterte (PPAB)

Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co has denied being at The Hague in the Netherlands even as former president Rodrigo Duterte was being transported there by the International Police (Interpol).

"I categorically deny the false information circulating online regarding my alleged involvement with the International Criminal Court (ICC) and my supposed trip to The Hague. I have no connection to the ICC, nor am I in The Hague, Netherlands," Co said in a statement Thursday morning, March 13.

It was the ICC--based at The Hague--that issued an arrest warrant against Duterte for crimes against humanity in relation to his bloody drug war. The Interpol, through the cooperation of the Philippine government, successfully served the warrant in Manila on Tuesday, March 11.

"While I confirm that I recently traveled abroad, it was solely for a scheduled personal meeting in Rome and had nothing to do with the ICC," said Co, who formerly served as chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations.

"My travel records clearly show that I departed Manila on Emirates Flight EK333 to Dubai on March 11, 2025, and proceeded to Rome on Emirates Flight EK0097 on March 12. Any claims suggesting that I am in The Hague or any location other than Rome are entirely false," he underscored, 

Co also reiterated on Thursday that he didn't own the RP-C5219 Gulfstream G550 aircraft that reportedly transported Duterte to the Netherlands.

"Social media posts linking me to this aircraft are completely untrue," he said.

BUT FIRST, READ THIS:

https://mb.com.ph/2025/3/12/zaldy-co-s-camp-denies-ownership-of-plane-used-to-fly-duterte-to-icc

"It is evident that certain individuals are actively spreading fake news, particularly targeting me and several of my colleagues in the House of Representatives. I believe this is a concerted effort to divert the public’s attention from the real issue," Co said.

"I urge the public and the media to exercise discernment, verify information with the appropriate authorities, and practice responsible reporting to prevent the spread of misinformation," the congressman further said.