The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday defended the recent seizure of luxury vehicles linked to former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, maintaining that the operation was conducted with “valid and existing legal authority.”
In a statement, PNP Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. refuted allegations from Co’s legal team that the confiscation was unlawful. He asserted that the PNP Highway Patrol Group (HPG) followed due process and acted in compliance with orders 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.
The statement follows claims by Co’s counsel, Ruy Rondain, who labeled the operation an “illegal search and seizure.” Rondain alleged that authorities failed to produce a warrant for all the vehicles and intimidated the drivers involved. He further announced plans to file criminal and administrative charges against members of the HPG and the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
The operation, which took place on January 8 at a condominium parking lot in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, resulted in the seizure of 14 high-end vehicles. Law enforcement agencies, including the BOC and the Land Transportation Office (LTO), reported that several of the vehicles lacked proper importation documents or were flagged for unpaid duties and taxes.
The seized fleet, which includes units such as a Rolls-Royce, Cadillac Escalade, and Lexus, has been transferred to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) compound in Taguig for safekeeping.
Co, who was previously declared a fugitive by the Sandiganbayan, is currently facing graft and malversation charges in connection with a P289-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. He remains at large.
