RIYADH, 14 July — Philippine authorities have turned back seven Saudis on the same Saudi Arabian Airlines flight in which they arrived in Manila on Tuesday, accusing them of supporting Abu Sayyaf group. But Saudi Ambassador in Manila Saleh Muhammad Al-Ghamdi told Arab News that the Saudis came to the country as tourists. He said the seven were turned as they did not give clear answers to questions from immigration officers. As the seven disclosed their intent to visit Mindanao, the officers suspected that their aim was not tourism. However, Ghamdi said the Saudi Embassy was contacting the Philippine authorities to understand the circumstances that led to their deportation. He said he had received a message of regret from the Filipino immigration minister who said such things would not be repeated. The Philippine authorities also questioned Abdullah Al-Azhari, manager of Saudia in Manila, for not carrying proper resident visa and work permit, and later released him.
