Prison escaper caught after 8 years on the run

A prison escaper who eluded authorities for eight years has been arrested in Manila, Philippine immigration officials said today.

Brian James Curtis, who escaped from maximum security at Auckland's Paremeoremo Prison in 1993, was picked up yesterday in the San Andres Bukid district of Manila.

The 69-year-old had been serving an 18-year prison sentence for drugs crimes.

Curtis escaped from Paremeoremo with Michael Bullock. Bullock was picked up in a Wellington nightclub two years ago.

Philippine Immigration chief commissioner Andrea Domingo said Curtis would be deported to Auckland within the week.