PNP targets 10 more of Co’s luxury vehicles

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it expects to seize at least 10 more luxury vehicles linked to former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co, following last week’s confiscation of several of his high-end cars at a condominium in Taguig City.

In a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP Highway Patrol Group Director Brig. Gen. Hansel Marantan said the remaining vehicles are included in an HPG watch list and are believed to be in the custody of Co’s employees.

Marantan said police received information that as many as 24 vehicles allegedly owned by Co and companies linked to him were parked at a Taguig condominium, 14 of which were seized by the authorities last Thursday.

“There are still 10 vehicles on the HPG’s list that we’re looking for. We’re asking their drivers to turn in these vehicles, since they can’t really use or sell them anyway,” Marantan said.

He added that some individuals had contacted the police regarding the remaining vehicles, but he declined to provide details.

Of the 14 vehicles recovered, Marantan said 12 were brought to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure office in Bonifacio Global City. The HPG has deployed forensic teams to examine all the recovered vehicles, including verifying their chassis numbers, registration documents, and motor vehicle clearances.

PNP Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. earlier defended the seizure operation, saying the vehicle seizures were fully legal and carried out in line with directives from the proper government authorities.

“The operation was in compliance with an order from the proper authorities. We want to assure the public that all actions of the Philippine National Police are legal and in accordance with the law,” Nartatez said, in response to claims by Co’s legal counsel that the operation was unlawful.

Marantan also rejected allegations of harassment, saying investigators faced difficulties because some individuals allegedly concealed vehicles covered by the investigation.

On 8 January, joint teams of the PNP, Bureau of Customs and Land Transportation Office raided a condominium in Taguig City, seizing several luxury vehicles, including a Rolls-Royce, Toyota Sequoia, Cadillac Escalade, and various Lexus models.

Co, who has been linked to the irregularities in flood control projects, has denied any wrongdoing but he remains abroad.