Philippines Seeks Deportation of Zaldy Co

The Philippine government is seeking the deportation of Zaldy Co, a former Bureau of Customs official detained in the Czech Republic, as part of ongoing efforts to return him to face charges related to alleged corruption and smuggling operations.

According to reports from The Manila Times and Rappler, Philippine authorities have formally requested that Czech officials deport Co to the Philippines following his arrest in Prague earlier in April 2026. Co, who served as a deputy commissioner at the Bureau of Customs, is wanted in connection with a multimillion-peso smuggling syndicate allegedly involving the illegal importation of goods through fraudulent documentation and undervaluation schemes.

The Czech Justice Ministry confirmed on April 17, 2026, that while no formal deportation order has yet been issued, officials are “in contact” with Philippine law enforcement and judicial authorities regarding Co’s case. A spokesperson for the ministry stated that the process is being handled in accordance with bilateral legal cooperation agreements and European Union extradition protocols, emphasizing that any transfer would depend on the completion of legal proceedings in the Czech Republic and the satisfaction of dual criminality requirements.

Philippine National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Medardo de Lemos said in a briefing that the government is preparing all necessary documentation to support Co’s extradition, including certified copies of warrants, evidence logs, and sworn testimonies from witnesses. “We are coordinating closely with our legal attaché in Prague and the Office of the Solicitor General to ensure that the Philippines’ extradition request meets all international legal standards,” de Lemos said.

Garbin, a lawyer representing Co’s family, has publicly appealed for assurances regarding his client’s safety and due process rights should he be returned to the Philippines. In a statement carried by Inquirer.net, Garbin expressed concerns about potential violations of Co’s rights under Philippine law and urged authorities to guarantee humane treatment and access to legal counsel upon arrival. “We are not opposing the legal process, but we insist that it be conducted with transparency and respect for fundamental rights,” Garbin said.

Co’s arrest stemmed from a joint investigation between Philippine and Czech authorities triggered by intelligence sharing under the ASEAN-Europe Partnership on Governance. Czech police detained him after identifying discrepancies in travel documents and financial transactions linked to shell companies registered in both the Philippines and the European Union. He remains in custody at a detention facility in Prague pending further judicial review.