From Prague to Paris? DFA source flags possible location of Zaldy Co

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BONJOUR from Paris?

This, according to a “highly regarded diplomatic source” cited by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), is where former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co is reportedly located.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said the information placing Co in the French capital came from a confidential diplomatic source, which she declined to identify during a Manila Overseas Press Club forum on Thursday. She said the DFA was not disclosing details because the information was shared in confidence, but confirmed that Philippine officials are verifying the report.

“However, the embassy now is really looking intently on that,” she said in a Philstar report.

Authorities have not confirmed any physical sighting of Co in France, although Malacañang has said he is seeking political asylum there.

Lazaro noted that asylum applications in Europe are governed by strict European Union rules and are treated as sensitive matters, adding that the Philippines is acting within legal limits in responding to the situation.

On questions regarding Co’s travel documents, the DFA said it has no confirmation from the Philippine embassy in Portugal that he holds any Portuguese passport. It also clarified that Co’s Philippine passport, which expired in September 2022, no longer requires cancellation as it is already invalid for international travel.

The clarification follows reports that Co was carrying an expired passport when he was intercepted by Czech authorities over an immigration violation.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida earlier said Bureau of Immigration records showed Co possessed multiple passports, and that he was carrying an expired passport when stopped in Prague on April 16.

The DFA reiterated that two of Co’s passports—one regular and one diplomatic—were cancelled under a court order issued in December 2025. It also said it is possible Co attempted to use his expired passport when crossing from the Czech Republic into Germany.(MyTVCebu)