RP sect vows to locate fugitive

RP sect vows to locate fugitive

MANILA (AFP): A powerful Philippine Christian sect said on Wednesday it would assist French and local police track down French fugitive Alfred Sirven, believed hiding in Manila with the mother of two sect members.

The Iglesia ni Kristo (Church of Christ) also rejected claims that it had been sheltering Sirven, the former number two at French oil giant Elf Aquitaine.

The 73-year-old Sirven has been on the run from justice since 1997 for alleged embezzlement and operation of a slush fund to buy influence in several illicit deals.

Sirven's Filipina girlfriend, Vilma Aguilando Medina, was a former member of Iglesia, which backs President Joseph Estrada and commands a three million membership in the predominantly Christian Philippines.