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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Diplomatic, legal channels explored for Zaldy Co's return -- Remulla

Diplomatic, legal channels explored for Zaldy Co's return -- Remulla

Published Apr 17, 2026 11:52 am
After months of a fervent search, luck finally ran out for fugitive former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, with the Philippine government now exploring legal and diplomatic options for his return to the country following his arrest in the Czech Republic, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla said on Friday, April 17.
After reportedly being classified as an undocumented foreign national, Remulla noted that Co is currently being held in an immigration detention facility, with authorities believing that he may have entered the Czech Republic from France.
Slippery as Co may be, Remulla believes that time is running out for the fugitive ex-lawmaker, as the Philippine government has been relentlessly tracking him across Europe, including Italy.
Despite failing to apprehend him earlier, Remulla said authorities remained on his trail, with Co reportedly staying in Italy for the past two weeks and constantly moving from one location to another.
Currently, the Philippines is pursuing two possible tracks: the issuance of an Interpol red notice and coordination with the Prague government for deportation to facilitate Co’s return to the country.
In November 2025, Remulla said authorities had already applied for an Interpol red notice, assuring that Co would be brought back to the country once it is issued.
In the meantime, Remulla noted that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is taking the lead in coordinating with the Czech Republic for the processing of documents related to Co’s return.
However, the timeline for Co’s return remains uncertain, as it depends on the outcome of legal and diplomatic processes abroad.
Upon his return to the Philippines, Remulla said the ex-lawmaker will be turned over to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and processed at its national headquarters in Camp Crame. He will undergo a medical examination to certify his fitness for trial, along with other documentation requirements, including the taking of a mugshot.
The DILG chief added that Co will then be transferred to the Sandiganbayan, which will determine his place of detention as he faces charges.
Remulla disclosed that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has been closely monitoring developments, with strict orders to follow legal procedures and exhaust all available remedies to ensure Co’s return.
Remulla said Co’s arrest is a major development in the government’s efforts to pursue accountability in cases involving alleged large-scale corruption, warning other fugitives still at large that authorities are relentlessly tracking them down.
In November 2025, arrest warrants were issued against Co and several others, including Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials and Sunwest Corp. directors, over allegedly anomalous flood control projects.
The Office of the Ombudsman also filed corruption and malversation of public funds charges before the Sandiganbayan against Co and others in connection with a P289 million project in Oriental Mindoro.
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