Philippines police have lead on senator

MANILA, Philippines, Feb. 7 (UPI) -- The Philippine National Bureau of Investigation said Sunday it has received information on the whereabouts of fugitive Sen. Panfilo Lacson.

Ricardo Diaz, head of the NBI's counter-terrorism division, told GMANews.tv that while investigators know where to look for Lacson, he would not tell the broadcaster where Lacson was, saying that doing so might hinder efforts to arrest the senator.

"We already have an idea but we can not give it to the media because it would be tantamount to telegraphing our moves to him," Diaz said. "I know he's also monitoring us."

Lacson has been ordered arrested by a Philippine court, before which he is facing charges for the 2000 slayings of veteran publicist Salvador "Bubby" Dacer and driver Emmanuel Corbito, GMAnews.tv reported.

Lacson has alleged the case against him is politically motivated by the Arroyo administration, and has left the country to avoid persecution, the report said.

Diaz told the broadcaster the NBI and Philippine National Police is preparing to ask Interpol to issue a "red notice" to put a priority on Lacson's arrest.