RP arrests leader of fake athletes

RP arrests leader of fake athletes

MANILA (AFP) Authorities arrested the leader of a group of 55
Filipinos that tried to enter Japan illegally by posing as
members of the Philippine team to the Asian Games in Hiroshima.

Gerry Velasco, who gave himself up, denied claims by Japanese
immigration agents that the group wore Asian Games uniforms, but
admitted members had identification cards saying they were
"participants."

The group was deported last Sunday by Japanese immigration
officials at the Fukuoka airport. It was not clear what charges
would be filed against him.

Velasco claimed in a radio interview that he was a travel
agent and the 54 Filipinos were his clients, who had sought his
help after the Japanese embassy in Manila denied them visas to
Japan to visit their relatives.