DOJ Admits Uncertainty on Zaldy Co’s Exact Location in Czech Republic
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said that the Department of Justice (DOJ) still does not have clear and confirmed information on the exact location of former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co in the Czech Republic.
Speaking to reporters in Prague on April 24, he explained that there are currently no specific or verified details available, and the agency is avoiding speculation to prevent the spread of inaccurate information. He emphasized the importance of relying only on confirmed facts in a situation that could easily lead to confusion.
Vida also noted that, based on information gathered prior to their trip, Co is under the jurisdiction of the Czech Republic. This understanding was based on earlier coordination with immigration and police counterparts linked to Philippine government agencies. Vida is currently in the Czech Republic to meet with local authorities regarding efforts to facilitate Co’s return to the Philippines.
Previous reports confirmed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that Co was stopped at the German border and denied entry, after which he was returned to the Czech Republic and taken into custody by local authorities. A subsequent update indicated that Co remains under the custody of Czech officials.
Meanwhile, the DOJ clarified that Co was not “technically” arrested in the strict legal sense. His situation is likened to that of a traveler denied entry at an immigration checkpoint. Although no formal arrest took place, his movement has been restricted while he remains under the control of authorities. This indicates that while the legal process differs from a standard arrest, he is still subject to the jurisdiction and supervision of Czech officials.
“For analogy, it’s similar to a situation in the airport where the person arrives and immigration denies entry or excludes the person,” DOJ spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez said. “Technically, not arrested but there is a deprivation of liberty to a certain degree,” he added.