Jalosjos wanted in N. Sulawesi

Jalosjos wanted in N. Sulawesi

MANADO, North Sulawesi: The authorities have been searching
for a Philippine House of Representatives member wanted by Manila
for allegedly raping an 11-year-old girl.

The Philippine authorities believe Romeo Jalosjos, a lawmaker
in President Fidel Ramos' ruling coalition, is hiding in
Indonesia, possibly in nearby North Sulawesi.

Manado immigration office Chief M. Amar Cho told Antara that
Jalosjos' photograph had been posted in public places in the hope
that the public could help find him.

The authorities in the remote Sangihe Talaud islands and
Bitung, which border the Philippines, have been asked to step up
the alert, he said.

Reports from Manila said the Philippine authorities had no
clues to the whereabouts of the House member, who has been on the
run for three weeks. (pan)