DFA: Interpol alerted on Zaldy Co's canceled passports in December 2025

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday said it had immediately informed the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) after the passports of fugitive former congressman Zaldy Co were canceled in December 2025.

In a statement, the DFA said Co’s regular and diplomatic passports were revoked through a court order.

“This was immediately reported to INTERPOL,” the agency said.

The DFA added that another regular passport Co may have used to travel from Germany to the Czech Republic had already expired in September 2022 and therefore no longer required cancellation.

Co was earlier reported to have been denied entry into the Czech Republic due to incomplete or improper documentation.

Philippine authorities were sent to the Czech Republic to discuss a possible turnover, but efforts were unsuccessful after reports on Monday indicated that Co was no longer in Czech custody.

Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said Co remains within the Schengen area.

On Tuesday, Malacañang said Co is now under the custody of French authorities and is seeking political asylum in France.

“He has been requested to be transferred to and is now under the jurisdiction of French authorities. All missions in Europe have been instructed to obtain further official confirmation,” Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said.

GMA News Online has sought comment from the DFA and the Philippine Embassy in France.—MCG, GMA News