UPDATED: 17 April 2026 09:00 (PHT)
MANILA, Philippines — After months on the run, former congressman and businessman Zaldy Co was finally arrested abroad in connection with alleged anomalous flood control projects. The former chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, who fled the country at the height of a massive corruption probe, was apprehended in Europe, ending the long search by local and international authorities.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. confirmed the arrest, stating that the former lawmaker was intercepted in Eastern Europe after allegedly attempting to cross borders illegally. “He is now detained in Prague after crossing into the Czech Republic without proper documentation and is currently in the custody of Czech authorities. We are in close coordination with the Czech government to ensure that all legal processes are followed and to arrange for his return to the Philippines at the soonest possible time,” he said.
In a separate statement, he added: “Our coordination with Czech authorities continues. The latest information confirms that Zaldy Co was stopped at the German border after entering from the Czech Republic. He was denied entry and returned to Czech authorities, where he remains in custody.“
The Philippine National Police (PNP) also confirmed the apprehension based on intelligence received through official channels. In a formal statement, PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. announced that the police force is working closely with other government agencies, particularly the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), to facilitate the necessary diplomatic processes.
“We assure the public that the PNP is prepared to assume custody of the subject upon his arrival and will ensure that all procedures are carried out in accordance with existing laws and due process,” Nartatez staated, noting that further updates on repatriation efforts will be deferred to the DFA.
Co had been the subject of multiple warrants of arrest stemming from pending graft and malversation cases before the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan. Last November, the President announced that these warrants had been issued, but Philippine authorities failed to arrest him for months due to his evasion.
Co remained abroad since July 2025, initially claiming he left for medical reasons and subsequently refusing to return and cooperate with the ongoing probings. The prolonged inability to bring him to justice shows the limitations of the legal system once a high-profile suspect crosses international borders.
As the government finalizes his repatriation to face the Sandiganbayan, the focus now shifts entirely to the judicial process and whether systemic accountability will eventually follow.|
