PNP looking for 10 more luxury cars linked to ex-Rep. Zaldy Co
The Highway Patrol Group (HPG) of the Philippine National Police said on Monday that it was looking for 10 more luxury cars allegedly connected to former House appropriations chair and resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co.
Fourteen out of 24 vehicles supposedly belonging to Co and companies linked to him were seized on Jan. 8 after the police received information that these were being kept at the parking lot of a condominium in Taguig City. “Ten more are on the Highway Patrol Group’s list. That’s what we’re looking for,” HPG director Brig. Gen. Hansel Marantan told reporters.
He clarified that only 12 of the 14 recovered vehicles were turned over to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure on Jan. 9.
He said the remaining two vehicles were left behind at the Taguig condominium since these “could not be driven.”
“One of them did not have keys. As for the other one, the vehicle refused to start. Since they’re luxury vehicles, we’re being very careful as we might damage them,” Marantan said.
Forensic tests
According to him, the HPG has sent a team to conduct forensic tests on all vehicles and to also investigate their clearance papers, chassis numbers and other registration documents.
As for reports, there were firearms concealed in the vehicles, Marantan said they have yet to find any for now.
Among the seized vehicles were a white Rolls-Royce, two black Toyota Sequoias, three black Cadillac Escalades, a black Lexus and a light metallic blue Ferrari.
A report by the HPG said the vehicles were brought to the country in violation of Section 1401 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act or Republic Act No. 10863, particularly the provision on “unlawful importation or exportation.”
The Inquirer sought comment from Co’s legal counsel, Ruy Rondain, but he has yet to respond as of this writing.
But last week, he called the seizure “abusive,” adding their camp was considering filing complaints against the police.
This prompted a reaction from PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., who said the HPG acted on “valid and existing legal authority.”
On Monday, Marantan said their operation was legal. “And I’m warning those who are hiding the cars we are looking for. If we catch you with the vehicles, you will be the ones who will be held liable. You will not be able to hide those cars for much longer,” he added.
