The Philippine Embassy in France believes Zaldy Co is currently in the country and may own local properties, though officials stated they cannot conduct surveillance or execute arrests due to French sovereignty.
- Location: Believed to be in France, where he is reportedly seeking asylum.
- Legal Constraint: Philippine officials cannot conduct independent investigations or surveillance without violating French law.
- Jurisdiction: Arrests must be coordinated through the French government or Interpol.
Legal Limitations on Surveillance
Ambassador to France Eduardo de Vega stated that the embassy cannot act as private investigators. He emphasized that conducting independent surveillance on properties allegedly connected to Zaldy Co would infringe upon the sovereignty of France.
De Vega noted that police detective work is the sole responsibility of the French authorities. He added that French officials are unlikely to provide official confirmation of Co’s presence due to local privacy laws.
Jurisdiction and Arrest Protocols
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro previously indicated that a highly-regarded source reported Co was in France seeking asylum. However, Ambassador de Vega clarified that no official confirmation of a sighting has been made.
Regarding the potential for apprehension, de Vega explained that while a warrant of arrest may exist, Philippine laws do not apply in France. Consequently, the embassy and the Filipino community have no authority to arrest Co if he is spotted.
Any legal action would have to be facilitated through the host government or Interpol. De Vega further mentioned an amnesty request and noted that embassy officials cannot simply arrest Co even if he were to visit the embassy.
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