The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has confirmed that three aircraft registered in the Philippines — linked to former legislator Zaldy Co — are currently outside the country, and the agency is seeking cooperation from neighbouring states to monitor them.
According to CAAP, two AgustaWestland helicopters were traced to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia (after departures in August and September), and a Gulfstream jet has been in Singapore since mid-August.
CAAP emphasises that although these aircraft remain registered in the Philippines — which prevents their legal deregistration or sale abroad — the agency lacks the power to immobilise them while it awaits a freeze order from the Anti‑Money Laundering Council (AMLC).
In light of the cross-border nature of the situation, CAAP has indicated it will need help from neighbouring civil aviation authorities in Malaysia and Singapore to track movements, ensure registration compliance, and prevent potential misuse or deregistration of the assets.
This development highlights issues around asset tracking, aircraft deregistration, and regional aviation cooperation.