Kiwi arrested over Phillippines mutiny

Tony Newman. Photo / Supplied

A Kiwi working in the Philippines has been arrested for his alleged involvement in a mutiny in 2003.

Tony Newman was arrested on Thursday night with six retired Philippine Navy soldiers, while they were training to work as VIP security staff at the Clark Eagle Firing Range in Pampanga.

All suspects are being questioned in connection with the bloodless mutiny, in which about 300 armed soldiers took over an apartment tower in Makati City in July 2003.

Newman is believed to be part of the group which stormed the Oakwood Premier Ayala Centre (now called Ascott Makati) to out the alleged corruption of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

However, New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade wouldn't comment on the allegations of Newman's involvement in the mutiny but said he had been detained on "immigration relation charges".

Communications adviser Emma Reilly said consular services had been extended to Newman and he had a lawyer representing him.

Reilly said he did not want any further information about him released to the public.

The Presidential Anti-Organised Crimes Task Force and the Bureau of Immigration confiscated several firearms during the arrest.

Police Chief Superintendent Leon Nilo de la Cruz told the Philippine Daily Inquirer a New Zealander, identified only as Newman, had been arrested and had an expired tourist visa.