MANILA — Former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co was apprehended in Prague, Czech Republic on April 16, 2026, after reportedly crossing the border without proper travel documents, according to Ferdinand Marcos Jr..
Co, who had been on the run for several months, is currently under the custody of Czech authorities. He is considered a key figure in a multibillion-peso flood control controversy involving alleged irregularities tied to his family’s firm, Sunwest Construction and Development Corporation.
Authorities said Co left the Philippines in mid-2025, supposedly for medical reasons, but was later tagged as a fugitive after failing to return amid mounting graft and malversation charges.
The Philippine government is now coordinating with Czech officials to facilitate his return to Manila, where he faces pending cases. Lawmakers have also expressed interest in securing his testimony, with some hoping he will disclose details surrounding the controversial flood control projects.
The Philippine National Police and the Department of Justice had been monitoring Co’s movements since arrest warrants were issued, with assistance from Interpol to prevent his escape from accountability.
ia/xf
