President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has formally engaged European diplomatic channels to address the vanishing act of former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, who remains at large despite recent reports of his detention abroad.
In a meeting held Wednesday at Malacañang, the President spoke with the French Ambassador and the Czech Republic’s chargé d’affaires to seek clarity on the former lawmaker’s whereabouts and legal status.
The discussions were prompted by conflicting reports suggesting that Co is no longer in the hands of Czech authorities and may be navigating other European borders to evade Philippine justice.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the President did not hide his dissatisfaction with the breakdown in the extradition process.
“He expressed disappointment at the whole situation… despite the Philippines’ earnest efforts, Zaldy Co remains at large in Europe,” the PCO said.
The administration is particularly focused on how Co was released from Czech custody after his initial apprehension. On April 16, President Marcos had originally announced that Co was held by Czech officials while attempting to enter Germany without valid travel documents.
However, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida later confirmed that by the time a Philippine delegation reached Prague, the former lawmaker had already been released.
Current intelligence suggests Co may be moving through the Schengen Area or attempting to file for asylum in another European nation. Despite the setback, Malacañang reiterated its commitment to diplomatic cooperation and the international rule of law.
“Moving forward, he remains hopeful… so that once and for all Zaldy Co is brought back to the Philippines to face justice,” the PCO added.