Former Ako Bicol Rep Zaldy Co to Face Immediate Arrest Upon Philippines Return
Former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co will be taken into custody at Camp Crame in Quezon City as soon as he arrives back in the Philippines, Interior Secretary Juanito Victor "Jonvic" Remulla announced on Friday. In a radio interview, Remulla stated that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will handle Co's custody upon his arrival, with Remulla personally presenting him to the Sandiganbayan for arraignment.
Remulla to Serve as Arresting Officer in High-Profile Case
"Upon his arrival here, I will be the arresting officer and I will bring him into the custody of the Sandiganbayan because he has already been indicted and charged by the Ombudsman. He will first be taken to Camp Crame, where he will undergo a thorough physical examination," Remulla emphasized. This move underscores the government's commitment to ensuring Co faces justice for the allegations against him.
Co's Capture in Europe and Travel Document Issues
Co was apprehended in Prague on Thursday after he entered the Czech Republic without proper documentation, following a failed attempt to enter Germany. Remulla revealed that Co, who was spotted in Italy three weeks ago and had been moving frequently to evade capture, could not present valid travel documents because his Philippine passport had been canceled. This international manhunt highlights the global efforts to bring him to account.
Timeline for Return Depends on Department of Foreign Affairs
When asked about when Co might return to the Philippines, Remulla indicated that it depends on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). "Perhaps in as little as one week but as long as three weeks, it depends on the DFA. They are the lead agency here, not me. I am just coordinating," he added. Philippine officials, including the police attaché and DFA, have already visited Co and are collaborating with local and international authorities to expedite his deportation.
Background on Graft and Malversation Charges
Co is one of 16 individuals facing graft and malversation charges related to an alleged substandard PHP 289-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. The project was executed by Sunwest Corporation, a company owned by his family. The Anti-Money Laundering Council has accused Co of receiving PHP 802 million through check deposits from Sunwest accounts from 2019 to 2025, while he was still serving as a legislator. Government officials are prohibited from holding business interests, making these allegations particularly severe.
Due to these charges, the Sandiganbayan has declared Co a fugitive from justice, marking a significant development in this ongoing legal saga that has captured national attention.
