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DATE=5/6/2000 TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT TITLE=COMPUTER VIRUS/PHILIPPINES (L-ONLY) NUMBER=2-262065 BYLINE=AMY BICKERS DATELINE=MANILA CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: Two Manila-based internet service providers are cooperating with police in an investigation of the so-called "Love Bug" computer virus. As Amy Bickers reports from the Philippine capital, experts say the virus was activated from the Philippines, but they are unsure if the person responsible is actually in the country. TEXT: According to computer experts and officials of America's Federal Bureau of Investigation, the originator of what may be the most harmful computer virus ever has links to the Philippines. The virus was apparently activated from a computer in the Philippines, although it is unclear if its creator was in the country at the time. However, officials say the culprit left behind some clues -- e-mail addresses and the name Manila. The e- mail addresses were in turn linked to two Manila-based internet service providers, which are now helping police with their investigation. According to news reports, F-B-I experts in the United States traced the electronic link to the Philippines, and then turned the information over to authorities here. Police then seized computers believed to have been used to send the virus into cyberspace. Authorities in both nations say they were able to identify the person who started the virus, thanks to clues within the text of the program. According to officials in the United States, the suspect had previously told others about his ability to create the electronic bugs and infect computers. So far, the virus has affected millions of computers around the world. It is believed to be the fastest-moving and most harmful computer virus ever. Computer experts continue to struggle with new strains of the so-called "Love Bug" virus that masquerades as a love note or other seemingly innocent messages. It is threatening to cause chaos in computer networks around the globe ahead of Mother's Day in America and Europe next week. This latest virus, like other before it, lures computer users to open a file. But when they do, they accidentally contaminate their computers' memory system and destroy other files. (SIGNED) NEB/AB/JP 06-May-2000 11:58 AM EDT (06-May-2000 1558 UTC) NNNN Source: Voice of America .