RP to file charges against 33 Chinese

RP to file charges against 33 Chinese

MANILA (AFP): The Philippines may file smuggling charges against 33 Chinese nationals arrested earlier this month, a presidential official said yesterday.

Press Secretary Jesus Sison said the Justice Department would investigate the case and file appropriate charges so the Chinese would not be able to leave the country.

The statement came after Beijing requested that Manila release the Chinese, who included five police. The Chinese were in an unmarked boat and the Chinese authorities said they were chasing another vessel, the Harbor Star which was loaded with cigarettes to be smuggled into the Philippines.

The boat's engine broke down and was swept into Philippine waters. The police, as well as the crew of the Harbor Star were arrested by the Philippine Navy on Oct. 6 off Morong town in Bataan province, northwest of Manila.