Authorities confiscate luxury cars linked to Zaldy Co
Authorities served a warrant of seizure and detention at a condominium in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, on Thursday, Jan. 8, confiscating at least eight vehicles linked to former Ako Bicol Party-list representative Zaldy Co.
According to a report from Super Radyo dzBB, the warrant was served by the Bureau of Customs. Also present during the operation were representatives from the PNP Highway Patrol Group, Southern Police District, and officials from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure.
The warrant listed nine luxury vehicles, all flagged by the Land Transportation Office, and authorities found eight of those in the condominium's basement parking lot with violations, said Criminal Investigation and Detection Group National Capital Region chief Police Col. John Guiagui, based on a report by GMA News.
Included in the confiscated vehicles were units of Cadillac Escalade, Lexus, Toyota Sequoia, and Toyota Land Cruiser. These were supposedly parked in slots assigned to condominium units in the building.
Most, per the report, are armored vehicles. CIDG Region 5 had already been looking for some of the units prior to the serving of the warrant.
"May indikasyon na ito ay pag-aari ni Zaldy Co. Dalawa sa mga sasakyan na hinahanap ng CIDG Region 5, isang Lexus at isang Fortuner, ay nakita natin dito. Itinago 'yung dalawa dito," Guiagui said.
He added the vehicles listed in the warrant were registered under different names, though their ownership is still being determined. Some were registered to Co's wife, others were registered under Sunwest Construction, a company co-founded by Co.
"'Yung mga sasakyan na nandito, 'yung walo na subject ng search warrant ay dadalhin muna sa ICI pansamanatala, for now, dahil walang mapaglagyan sa Bureau of Customs," he said. Officials from BOC and the Philippine Coast Guard will be keeping the area secure.
Other vehicles in the lot linked to Co but not covered by the warrant were also found to have violations, which the HPG will investigate.
Violations
The warrant was implemented in response to reports of the vehicles having violations, such as non-registration and unlawful importation.
According to Bureau of Customs spokesperson Atty. Chris Noel Bendijo, the confiscated vehicles may have unpaid duties and taxes, based on a report by ABS-CBN News.
"Ibig sabihin nito ay unlawful importation. Sineselyuhan natin ang mga sasakyan na nakita natin na may ganitong violation," Bendijo said.
While investigations are ongoing, Bendijo said due process will be implemented, as authorities will give those involved an opportunity to explain the violations.
Co, who is currently at large, is wanted for graft and malversation in connection with his alleged involvement in the fraudulent P289-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. His passport has since been cancelled. According to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Co's last known location was Portugal.
