DOJ: Zaldy Co no longer in Czechia, still in Schengen area

PRAGUE, April 28 ------ Former lawmaker-turned-fugitive Zaldy Co has already left the Czech Republic, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said.

This, a week after Philippine authorities confirmed that the alleged mastermind of the flood control corruption scandal is still under Czechia’s jurisdiction. “Czech authorities have informed us that Mr. Zaldy Co is no longer in their custody,” Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida told reporters hours after his meeting with Czech authorities. What we can confirm is that he is within the Schengen area. That is the workable intel that we have,” he said. “Definitely he was traveling by land… We got information as to the registry of the vehicle,” he said, but declined to reveal further details as the issue is an “active operation.” he added.

The Czech Republic is a landlocked country surrounded by Austria, Germany, Poland, Slovakia. The Philippines is working with “all listening posts available,” Vida said, but declined to reveal further details. “We have other validated sources, ‘yung aming intel na namin-enhance,” he said.

Co has been using an expired Philippine passport with an active Schengen visa, the DOJ chief said. The Philippine government tried to squeeze out more information from Czechia, but officials from the Ministry of Justice have repeatedly cited the European Union’s strict laws on data privacy, Vida said. “We are working across sovereign borders. Every country has its own laws, processes and timelines and we cannot compel a foreign government,” the Philippine Justice Secretary said. “They are taking a position… I tried to pry without being arrogant because that is the diplomatic way,” he added.

After the press conference, DOJ sources confirmed to ABS-CBN News that Co has been traveling with his son Michael and a Filipino driver. Czech authorities want the Philippines to craft a police cooperation agreement for them to be able to release more details about Co, Vida said. “They are citing Schengen rules and data privacy laws… nung tinanong ko sila kanina, can we seek other information, the answer was we cannot share further information,” he said.

Vida said he was “disappointed for lack of further knowledge” and the availability of information about the Filipino fugitive who has been hiding in Europe. “Frustrated? I would stick to confused,” he said. “I’m confused at the legal parameters where this is coming from,” he added.

Philippine Ambassador to the Czech Republic Eduardo Martin Meñez said that the Philippine Embassy will continue to coordinate with its European counterparts. “You need to take the perspective of the Czech government that has placed high interest on the rights of the individual. It’s not just what another government may wish,” the envoy said. “As far as future cooperation is concerned, this will be a matter of further discussion if we are able to quietly work with our partners in the Schengen.”

The Philippines is now pinning its hope on obtaining a red notice against Co from the Interpol. “Kung may red notice, that serves as an arrest warrant,” Vida said. But under Interpol regulations, member countries have the discretion on whether they would implement an arrest based on a red notice.

When asked what the Philippines will do should an Interpol member state refuse to implement an arrest, Vida said: “We explore for other bilateral or multilateral options.” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has already been informed about the development.

The DOJ chief maintained that the high-level delegation would not come home empty-handed despite Co’s continued freedom in Europe.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com