RP seeks help on fugitive congressman<\/p>\n
MANILA (AFP): Philippine police on the trail of a legislator
\nbeing sought for child rape have asked for help from their
\ncounterparts in Indonesia following reports that he may have fled
\nthere, a police spokesman said here yesterday.<\/p>\n
House of Representatives member Romeo Jalosjos, ordered
\narrested by a lower court last month on statutory rape charges,
\nwas meanwhile recommended for a 60-day suspension by the ethics
\ncommittee of the chamber, officials said.<\/p>\n
Senior Superintendent Enrique Galang said over radio station
\nDZBB that Philippines police have solicited the help of \"our
\ncounterparts in Indonesia\" to help find the fugitive legislator.<\/p>\n
\"So far, we have had no feedback from our Interpol line,\"
\nGalang said, referring to the international police network.<\/p>\n
A senior police official in the legislator's home region of
\nMindanao said on Thursday that Jalosjos was seen aboard a
\nspeedboat heading south, presumably to Indonesia. The two
\ncountries have an extradition treaty.<\/p>\n
Statutory rape is punishable by life imprisonment in the
\nPhilippines, but prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty
\nfor Jalosjos because he was a person in authority.<\/p>\n
According to Philippines law, rape is punishable by death if
\ncommitted by a soldier, a policeman or a member of \"any law
\nenforcement agency,\" but makes no specific mention of
\nlegislators.<\/p>\n
The House ethics committee late Thursday voted unanimously to
\nrecommend the suspension of Jalosjos from his seat. The
\nsuspension would take effect if approved by at least a two-thirds
\nvote of the House, which resumes its session on January 20.<\/p>\n
The high-profile manhunt is seen here as a test of the
\ngovernment's pledge to apply the law equally to the rich as well
\nas the poor.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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