President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. confirmed on Thursday, April 16, that fugitive ex-congressman Zaldy Co has been arrested in Prague, Czech Republic, after reportedly entering the country without proper documentation.

In a statement posted online, Marcos said, “Nahuli na si Zaldy Co. He is now detained in Prague… and is currently in the custody of Czech authorities,” adding that the Philippine government is working to secure his return.

“We are in close coordination with the Czech government to ensure that all legal processes are followed and to arrange for his return to the Philippines at the soonest possible time,” he said.

Authorities said Co had been in hiding since mid-2025, even before investigations into alleged anomalies in flood control projects began. In November 2025, the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant of arrest against him in connection with a controversial flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.

On December 10, 2025, President Marcos also announced that Co’s Philippine passport had been cancelled as part of efforts to restrict his international movement while facing charges.

Co’s arrest is seen as part of intensified efforts by Philippine authorities to track down fugitives facing corruption-related charges, particularly those linked to infrastructure projects under investigation.

The Department of Justice and other law enforcement agencies are expected to handle the legal process for Co’s return, subject to Czech laws and international agreements, as the government moves to bring him back to face charges in court.