Navy detains 50 for questioning

Navy detains 50 for questioning

MANILA (AFP): The Philippine Navy said yesterday it was still holding 50 Chinese nationals as government agencies began coordinating their investigation into an apparent attempt by the Chinese to smuggle cigarettes into the country.

Among those being held were five who claimed to be Chinese policemen on a secret mission to check smuggling into China.

Navy sources said the embassy had not yet confirmed whether the five, who were wearing Chinese police uniforms, were really police officers. The embassy could not immediately be contacted for comment.

The sources said the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Immigration Bureau were coordinating the investigation with the Navy and the Economic Intelligence and Investigation Board. They said the Chinese embassy had been informed of the incident.