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.