PRAGUE, Czech Republic — In a major setback for the Philippine government’s efforts to repatriate former Congressman Zaldy Co, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida confirmed on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, that the fugitive is no longer in the custody of Czech authorities.
Speaking from the Philippine Embassy in Prague, Secretary Vida described the development as “difficult news,” noting that while Co was initially accosted on April 16, he has since been released or managed to move beyond the jurisdiction of the local police.
Philippine intelligence currently suggests that Co remains within the Schengen Area, a zone comprising 29 European countries where border controls are largely abolished.
- Land Travel: Authorities believe Co is traveling by land, as physical inspections are rare at land borders between countries like Germany, Austria, Poland, and Slovakia.
- Lack of Coordinates: Czech officials have declined to provide specific coordinates for Co’s last known location, citing strict Schengen protocols and data privacy laws.
- Active Operation: Secretary Vida revealed that they have identified the vehicle’s registry and the driver assisting Co, but declined to provide further details due to an ongoing manhunt.
A key factor in the pursuit is Co’s lack of valid travel documents:
- Expired 2022 Passport: When first accosted, Co was using a passport that had expired on September 11, 2022.
- Official Passport: He previously held an official passport from his time as a congressman.
- Canceled Passport: His most recent current passport was officially canceled by the Sandiganbayan following his flight from the Philippines.
Despite these hurdles, the absence of border checks at mutual land borders in Europe has allowed him to navigate between nations without triggering airport security alarms.
Before this development, the Department of Justice (DOJ) had been optimistic about Co’s “immediate return.” The sudden loss of custody has forced the government to pivot toward a broader transnational pursuit.
Secretary Vida assured the public that the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime and other international agencies are coordinating closely to track the vehicle and driver. The government remains committed to bringing Co back to the Philippines to face charges before the Sandiganbayan.