Czech gov't says no extradition proceedings vs. Zaldy Co

PRAGUE — Czech authorities said they are not currently pursuing extradition proceedings against former Ako Bicol party-list congressman Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, even as talks with Philippine officials shift toward strengthening future cooperation.

In a statement issued by the Czech Ministry of Justice (MOJ) following a meeting with the Philippines’ high-level coordinating team headed by acting Department of Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida on Monday, officials clarified that no formal extradition case involving a Filipino national is underway at this time.

“Despite information that has appeared in the media in recent days, the Czech Republic is currently not conducting any extradition proceedings against a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines,” the statement read, which cited Justice Minister Jeronym Tejc, as translated from Czech.

The meeting, held on April 27 at the ministry’s headquarters in Prague, brought together representatives from the Czech justice, interior, and foreign affairs ministries, alongside Philippine officials led by Department of Justice Acting Secretary Fredderick Vida.

According to the Czech side, “there are minimal cases of judicial cooperation in criminal and civil law between the two countries,” but officials welcomed the opportunity to explore ways to expand cooperation.

Both sides ended the meeting with a shared intention to pursue a bilateral international treaty on police cooperation.

The development comes as Philippine authorities continue efforts to secure Co’s return to face graft and malversation charges linked to alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

Earlier, Vida confirmed that Co is no longer in Czech custody and is believed to have moved within the Schengen area. Malacañang has since said he is seeking political asylum in France.

Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC) executive director Major General Romeo Prestoza said they are pursuing international mechanisms, including a request for an Interpol red notice, which would allow law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest Co pending legal action.

Prestoza said they have already submitted the required documents to Interpol’s secretariat in Lyon, France.

Vida earlier said discussions with Czech officials also explored the need for a formal police cooperation framework, which could have facilitated information exchange in Co’s case. — BM, GMA News