Published 19 days ago • loading... • Updated 19 days ago
Philippine Fugitive Lawmaker Arrested in Prague
Authorities say Co was detained after entering without proper documents, and officials are coordinating with Czech partners as graft and malversation cases move forward.
On Thursday night, President Ferdinand Marcos announced that former congressman Zaldy Co was arrested in Prague, Czech Republic. Co is a central figure in a multibillion-peso flood control corruption scandal.
Co fled the Philippines in mid-2025 following investigations into his family's Sunwest Corp and flood control projects; the Sandiganbayan declared him a fugitive in February 2026.
Authorities detained Co in Prague after he crossed into the Czech Republic without proper documentation. Marcos stated the government is coordinating with Czech officials to arrange his return.
Officials previously canceled Co's passport and sought an Interpol Red Notice to facilitate his arrest, though the Philippines lacks an extradition treaty with Portugal, where Co was reportedly staying.
Prosecutors from the Office of the Ombudsman are currently trying other officials involved in the P289 million Naujan project, with Co's repatriation remaining the government's priority to continue legal proceedings.