Briefs, September 27, 2012

MANILA - Philippine authorities will question a Roman Catholic priest about ivory smuggling after his collection of ivory religious icons was featured in National Geographic magazine. Monsignor Cristobal Garcia is quoted in the magazine describing how to bring ivory figurines into the United States. Officials are investigating the origin of the ivory icons. AP

COLOMBO - A court in the Maldives has slapped a travel ban on ousted president Mohamed Nasheed pending a hearing over allegations of abuse of power during his tenure. The order prevents him from leaving the capital island, Male. AFP