News Capsule

Philippines Detains 177 Indonesians

The Philippine government detained 177 Indonesian haj pilgrims at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Friday two weeks ago to check the validity of their passports. A spokesman for the Indonesian foreign ministry, Arrmanatha Nasir, confirmed the reports. "We verified their Indonesian passports," he said in Jakarta last week.

Immigration officials are working with police to investigate the case, which centers on a scheme to send pilgrims to Mecca on fake passports. At least seven travel agents are allegedly involved: Taskiah, Aulad Amin, Aulad Amin Tours Makassar, Shafwa Makassar, Travel Hade El Barde, Guidance Group Haj (KBIH) Arafat and Arafat KBIH Pandaan.

August 30, 2016