Fugitive Zaldy Co Evades Philippine Radar, Now “Free” In Europe

Fugitive Zaldy Co Evades Philippine Radar, Now “Free” in Europe

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | April 28, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – Former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co, a declared fugitive, is now at large in Europe after reportedly being released from Czech custody following an immigration violation. Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida confirmed Co’s release, admitting that the Philippines has lost track of the former lawmaker, despite an active Sandiganbayan arrest warrant.

Co was initially apprehended on April 16 for immigration offenses. However, the exact date and circumstances of his release remain unclear. While Philippine authorities initially had “listening posts” indicating that Co was still detained, official confirmation from Czech authorities only came during a recent meeting in Prague.

Vida acknowledged Co’s current freedom, stating, “Yes, he is free,” but expressed confidence in his eventual recapture as “his world is getting smaller.” Intelligence suggests Co remains within the Schengen area, a zone of 29 European countries with abolished border controls.

Crucially, Co was found carrying an expired passport that lapsed in September 2022. He reportedly possessed three passports: an official congressional passport, a current one canceled by the Sandiganbayan, and the expired document. Vida noted that Co’s ability to cross borders despite an invalid passport highlights the challenge of land border inspections within the Schengen zone.

Philippine authorities, while confirming Co’s presence in the Schengen area and possessing information on his travel vehicle and driver, declined to disclose further details, citing an ongoing operation. “Our goal is to make his world smaller,” Vida stated, emphasizing the need for operational secrecy. “What I can tell you is he is in the Schengen area.”