President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared that the travel document of former Ako Bicol representative Zaldy Co has been annulled. In a video posted on his social media platforms, he announced, “Maibabalita ko po sa inyo na ang passport po ni Zaldy Co ay kanselado na.”
The president instructed both the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to collaborate with all Philippine diplomatic missions abroad to ensure Co cannot take refuge overseas. As he put it, “Kaya ininstructionan ko na ang Department of Foreign Affairs, pati ang PNP, na makipag-ugnayan sa ating mga embassies sa iba’t ibang bansa para tiyakin na hindi maaaring magtago itong ating hinahabol sa kanilang bansa.”
Marcos emphasized that should Co nevertheless attempt to travel, foreign posts must immediately inform Manila so authorities can facilitate his return. In his own words: “At kung sakali man ay siya ay pupunta roon, ay i-rereport sa atin para maibalik natin siya dito sa Pilipinas.”
