Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) received “highly reliable information” that Co is now under French authorities while his asylum request is being processed.
“Zaldy Co has a pending petition for 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,” Castro said.
She added President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was briefed on the latest updates following high-level talks with Czech officials, which confirmed that Co was no longer in their custody.
Castro said the President was disappointed that efforts to bring him back to the Philippines have not succeeded so far, but stressed respect for foreign legal systems.
“Nananatiling matatag ang posisyon ng pamahalaan, we will work with foreign governments through every legal channel available under international laws to bring Zaldy Co home and face the graft and malversation cases filed against him. Gagawin natin ang lahat ng naaayon sa batas at sa diplomatikong proseso,” she said.
Malacañang also said Marcos Jr. has called for meetings with the French and Czech ambassadors to discuss the situation and possible steps moving forward.IMT
