Philippine Officials Report Uncertainty on Fugitive Zaldy Co's Whereabouts After Czech Detention

On April 16, President Marcos announced via social media that Co had been detained in Prague, Czech Republic, due to crossing into the country without proper documentation. The president stated that Philippine authorities were coordinating with Czech officials to follow legal processes and ensure Co's return to the Philippines at the soonest possible time.

Rappler independently verified with Czech authorities that Co faced intervention for an alleged immigration violation.

A week later, the acting Department of Justice secretary stated in a remote briefing that there was no specific answer yet on Co's whereabouts, citing a lack of relevant and validated information. The official added there were no guarantees that Co remained in the Czech Republic and acknowledged the possibility that he may have left the country.

The Department of Justice clarified that Co was not technically arrested by Czech authorities, but his liberty was restrained, similar to an immigration denial of entry at an airport. Officials explained this distinction to reporters. The Presidential Communications Office initially referred to the incident as an arrest in an April 16 press release but later updated the language to custody.

A Palace press officer stated there was no contradiction between the president's announcement and subsequent clarifications.