The Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) has intensified its investigation into former Ako Bicol party-list representative Elizaldy "Zaldy" Co, announcing a search for ten additional vehicles believed to be connected to him. This development is part of the broader government probe into alleged anomalies involving billions of pesos in flood control project funds.
Initial Raid Nets 14 Luxury Vehicles
In a press conference held on Monday, January 12, 2026, PNP-HPG director Brigadier General Hansel Marantan disclosed that a recent operation led to the seizure of 14 high-value vehicles. The operation was conducted on January 8 at a condominium parking lot in Bonifacio Global City by a combined team from the PNP, Bureau of Customs, and the Land Transportation Office.
Marantan revealed that intelligence suggested 24 vehicles linked to Co were at the location, but only 14 were found during the raid. Eight of these vehicles were specifically listed in the executed search warrant. The remaining four were subjected to a clearance investigation after authorities found they contained spurious documents and other contraband.
The confiscated automobiles, with an estimated combined value exceeding P145 million, were mostly placed under the custody of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI). Two damaged vehicles were temporarily left at the parking site to avoid causing further harm during transport.
The Hunt for the Missing Ten Vehicles
Brig. Gen. Marantan confirmed that the HPG is now actively searching for the ten vehicles that were not found at the condominium. He stated that authorities already possess photos and detailed information about these missing cars. The director made a public appeal to the individuals currently in possession of the vehicles, urging them to surrender the units voluntarily.
"We are appealing to the drivers to surrender the vehicles," Marantan said. "You might be caught with them. You won't be able to use them because you will be apprehended on the road, and you won't be able to sell them either." He added that some individuals have already begun communicating with the HPG regarding the surrender of the vehicles.
Inside Assistance and Allegations of Malice
An intriguing aspect of the investigation is how authorities obtained keys to some of Co's vehicles. Marantan explained that the keys were provided by personnel within Co's own team, who were reportedly angry with their superiors. "They were the ones who gave the keys to the operatives because even their own people, their group, are already angry with them," he clarified, specifying that it was not the lawyers but other personnel who cooperated.
Marantan defended the legality of the operation and accused Co's camp of acting in bad faith. He suggested the movement and hiding of assets, including previously mentioned "air assets," indicated malice intended to obstruct the investigation. "If you are acting in good faith, why not surrender the motor vehicles under investigation so this can be resolved?" Marantan questioned. He criticized advisers for concealing assets and then accusing law enforcement of harassment.
The probe centers on Zaldy Co, the former powerful chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations. He stands accused of misappropriating billions of pesos from public funds earmarked for flood control projects across the country. The seizure of luxury assets is a significant step in the government's effort to recover allegedly ill-gotten wealth from the controversial infrastructure deals.
