3 U.S. sailors detained in RP

3 U.S. sailors detained in RP

CEBU, Philippines (AFP): Philippine police on Tuesday filed criminal charges against three U.S. soldiers accused of assaulting a Filipino taxi driver in a case which officials say could test newly-reinforced bilateral military ties.

Petty Officers Michael Keys, Johnny Earl Lowerly and Shannon Towers, all assigned with the USS Blue Ridge, were charged with fraud and inflicting physical injuries on the driver before the city prosecutor's office.

The three officers appeared at the inquest without handcuffs after being remanded to the custody of their superior officer.

State prosecutors said there was no need for them to post bail.

They are accused of mauling a taxi driver in a fare dispute.