The Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday it expects to seize at least 10 more luxury vehicles allegedly linked to former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, following last week’s confiscation of high-end cars at a condominium in Taguig City.
At a press briefing in Camp Crame, PNP Highway Patrol Group (HPG) Director Brig. Gen. Hansel Marantan said the remaining vehicles are included in an HPG watch list and are believed to be under the custody of Co’s personnel.
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 located by authorities last Thursday.
“May sampu pa sa listahan ng HPG na hinahanap namin… Nakikiusap kami sa mga driver na isuko na ang mga sasakyang ito dahil hindi rin naman nila magagamit o maibebenta ang mga ito (There are still ten vehicles on the HPG list that we are looking for… We are appealing to the drivers to surrender these vehicles because they will not be able to use or sell them anyway),” Marantan said, warning that those found in possession of the vehicles may be held liable.
He added that some individuals have already initiated communication with the police regarding the remaining vehicles, though he declined to disclose details on the models and plate numbers.
Of the 14 vehicles recovered, Marantan said only 12 were formally turned over to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure office in Bonifacio Global City. The HPG has also deployed forensic teams to examine all recovered vehicles, including verification of chassis numbers, registration documents, and motor vehicle clearances.
PNP Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. earlier defended the legality of the operation, saying the seizure of the vehicles was conducted under valid legal authority and followed directives from proper government officials.
“The operation was in compliance with an order from 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, responding 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 from the PNP, Bureau of Customs, and Land Transportation Office raided a condominium in Taguig City and seized several luxury vehicles, including a Rolls-Royce, Toyota Sequoia, Cadillac Escalade, and Lexus models.
Co, who has been linked to alleged irregularities in flood control projects, remains abroad and has denied any wrongdoing.
Authorities said the investigation into the seized vehicles and related cases is ongoing.