MANILA — The arrest of former congressman Zaldy Co in Prague was triggered by an immigration violation — not an Interpol red notice — as Philippine authorities intensify efforts to bring him home to face graft and malversation charges, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag clarified that Co was apprehended by Czech authorities for lacking proper travel documents, stressing that the international alert played no role in the arrest.
Authorities said Co is currently detained in Prague after entering the Czech Republic without valid documentation.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier confirmed the arrest, adding that Co was later stopped at the German border and returned to Czech authorities.
The Philippine government is now coordinating with Czech officials to ensure legal procedures are followed and to facilitate Co’s return to the country.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Co is being held at an immigration detention facility and may be repatriated within weeks, depending on the outcome of legal and diplomatic processes.
Efforts to bring Co back include a pending request for an Interpol red notice, filed in November 2025, as well as possible deportation arrangements with Czech authorities.
The NBI said it is prepared to assist once an official directive for Co’s return is issued.
Co, a former Ako Bicol party-list representative and former House appropriations chair, is facing graft and malversation charges tied to an alleged P289-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.
The Sandiganbayan has previously issued a warrant for his arrest./PN
