EXPLAINER: Where is the Schengen area?

Former lawmaker Zaldy Co - who is wanted for graft and malversation of public funds in connection with a P289 million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro - is no longer in the custody of Czech authorities and is seeking political asylum in France.  Before he came under France"s custody, Philippine authorities said Co was still within the Schengen area in Europe.