What’s next for Zaldy Co after Prague arrest? DILG's Remulla explains

The Philippine government is exploring legal and diplomatic steps to secure the return of former Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co following his arrest in Czech Republic, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Friday.

Interviewed on GMA News’ Unang Balita, Remulla said Co is being held at an immigration detention facility after reportedly being classified as an undocumented foreign national. 

Authorities believe he may have entered the Czech Republic from France.

Remulla said the government had anticipated Co’s arrest as the Philippine authorities had been closely monitoring his movements across Europe including Italy.

“We were also hot on his tail. Tapos, last mga two weeks ago, nasa Italy siya. So, paikot-ikot siya. Hindi lang siya natsetsempuhan talaga,” he said.

(We were also hot on his tail. Then, two weeks ago, he was in Italy. So, he was going around. We just couldn't pin him.)

READ: Who is Zaldy Co?

Co's lawyer has yet to make a comment about his arrest.

"I have no confirmation on anything, so I have no comment at this time," said Atty. Ruy Rondain.

Return

To facilitate his return, the Philippines is pursuing two possible tracks: the issuance of an Interpol red notice and coordination with the Prague government for deportation.

“Parang wala (extradition treaty), we're checking pa. There are two factors to it. Una niyan, nag-apply na kami ng red notice para sa kanya sa Interpol as of November 2025. So, that is still in the process. Hinihintay namin na malabas. Kung mailabas yan, immediately, mababalik siya,” Remulla said.

(First of all, we have applied for a red notice for him at Interpol as of November 2025. So, that is still in the process. We are waiting for him to be released. If that is released, immediately, he will be back.)

“Pero in the meantime, it is the DFA who is taking the lead coordinating and meron naman tayong legal attaché doon, meron tayong ambassador. Sila nagko-coordinate sa Czech Republic para sa mga proseso para maibalik siya rito,” he added.

(In the meantime, it is the DFA who is taking the lead in coordinating, and we have a legal attaché there, we have an ambassador. They are coordinating with the Czech Republic for the processes to bring him back here.)

Remulla said the timeline for Co’s return remains uncertain, as it will depend on the outcome of legal and diplomatic processes abroad.

Turnover

Once he is brought back to the Philippines, Co will be turned over to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and processed at its national headquarters at Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Co will undergo medical examination and documentation.

“He will be brought over to Camp Crame, given a full inspection, a thorough physical. He will be certified that he is fit for trial. Bibigyan siya ng mugshot,” he said.

(He will be brought over to Camp Crame, given a full inspection, a thorough physical. He will be certified that he is fit for trial. He will be given a mugshot.)

Co will then be transferred to the Sandiganbayan, which will determine his place of detention as he faces charges.

According to Remulla, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has been closely monitoring these developments.

Remulla said Marcos has ordered authorities to strictly follow legal procedures and exhaust all available remedies to ensure Co’s return.

For Remulla, Co’s arrest is considered a major development in the government’s efforts to pursue accountability in cases involving alleged large-scale corruption.

The Secretary also warned other fugitives still at large that authorities remain relentless in tracking them down.

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—Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA News