Child porn charges laid against Filipino mariner

RCMP in eastern Newfoundland said Wednesday they had arrested a Philippines resident on charges of smuggling child pornography after a routine customs check of a vessel.

In a joint statement with RCMP, the Canada Border Services Agency said it had found what it called "illegal materials" while clearing the ship Surfer Rosa at the North Atlantic oil refinery at Come By Chance in Placentia Bay.

Police said Guilbert Ong, 28, has been charged under the Customs Act for smuggling prohibited goods, particularly child pornography.

Sgt. Boyd Merrill said additional charges may be laid.

RCMP said the force seized "electronic items and materials."

Ong appeared in provincial court in Clarenville on Wednesday. He is scheduled to return to court for a bail hearing on Friday morning.