Jailbird pursued

DILI, East Timor: The authorities are still searching for Jose da Costa, a Dili prison inmate who escaped during a riot in January, Antara reported.

Benny J. Mathaus, chief of the Ministry of Justice's provincial office, said here last week that the manhunt would continue until Da Costa is recaptured. He also said that the escapee is believed to have returned to his home in the Baucau regency.

"He'd better turn himself in, because sooner or later we'll get him back," Mathaus said.

Da Costa escaped along with seven other prisoners who, like him, were convicted for their involvement in a number of riots in the province. Da Costa's fellow escapees have already been recaptured.

"If Da Costa doesn't turn himself in, then, when we get him back, we won't give him the annual review granted to prisoners," Mathaus said. (rms)