MANILA — Three aircrafts connected to former Ako Bicol Party-list representative Zaldy Co have already left the Philippines, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) confirmed.
CAAP director general Raul Del Rosario said that out of 10 air assets identified with the former lawmaker, two helicopters and a jet were traced overseas — specifically in Malaysia and Singapore.
According to Del Rosario, two Agusta Westland AW139 helicopters, each valued at about $16 million, were flown to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
Meanwhile, a Gulfstream 350 jet worth roughly $36 million was found to have been brought to Singapore.
Despite their departure, Del Rosario clarified that the aircraft remain registered under Philippine jurisdiction and therefore cannot legally be sold elsewhere.
“Hindi pa nadederehistro ang mga nasabing eroplano. Nagkaroon sila ng attempt na magpa-deregister, pero dahil subject na ito sa investigation, hindi na prinocess ng CAAP ang deregistration,” he said in an interview with News5.
“Ang registration ng eroplano ay dapat isang nationality lang. Kung hindi pa nadederehistro sa Pilipinas, hindi puwedeng ma-register sa ibang bansa,” added Del Rosario.
The CAAP chief noted that attempts to deregister the aircraft indicate a possible intent to dispose of the assets.
Del Rosario also emphasized that the agency cannot restrict the movement of the aircraft in the absence of a freeze order from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).
“As far as our records are concerned, we are monitoring the movements of these aircraft. Pero hindi kami sigurado kung may freeze order na ang AMLC, dahil wala pa kaming natatanggap dito sa CAAP,” said Del Rosario.
Should such an order be issued, Del Rosario added, the government could ask foreign civil aviation authorities to enforce the freeze beyond Philippine borders.
“Pwede nating hilingin na i-extend ang implementation ng freeze order ng ating bansa upang ipatupad din ito ng civil aviation authority ng concerned country,” he explained./PN
