<p>LITTLETON, Colorado (AP) -- The Justice Department is investigating claims that a now-defunct mining company illegally paid terrorist groups at least $1.7 million for protection and security in the Philippines.</p>
<p>Allan Laird, a former project manager for Echo Bay Mines, said he contacted the Department of Homeland Security last year and provided documents and a statement he says prove the nature of the payments -- some of which he believes were used to buy weapons.</p>