Strike at Japanese tanker justified, Philippines says

Philippine Foreign Minister Carlos Romulo defended his government's air attack of a Japanese tanker suspected of carrying arms and antigovernment guerrillas, saying it was a legitimate defense of national security.

He said the 5,307-ton tanker Hegg was suspected of carrying terrorists and $ 10 million worth of arms and explosives.

Philippine officials said the Hegg was not flying a flag, was well inside Philippine waters, and ignored signals to halt before the assault.