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.