Airport hassle greets RP-Harbour Centre in Jakarta

JAKARTA, Indonesia – The flight from Manila to one of the oldest cities of Asia was relatively smooth. But not after arriving at the Soekarno Hatta International Airport where two members of the Harbour Centre-Philippine team were held for questioning by immigration officials.

American Michael Le Blanc, who is likely to be the team’s second import in the SEABA Club Championship which starts Friday, was held for 20 minutes at the immigration office, which found out that his passport is expiring in two months in violation of Indonesian immigration laws.

He was allowed entry only after team manager Erick Arejola appealed to higher authorities.

Nigerian Sam Ekwe was held for three hours by immigration officials for no reason at all.

“They kept on asking the same question. I told them (immigration officials) that I will play for the Harbour-Philippine team and I don’t intend to stay here longer,” fumed the 6-foot-8 San Beda center.

Last year, Harbour import Julius Nwosu, also a Nigerian, went through the same process before being allowed entry.

“I don’t know what it is, but this is another sad experience on the part of the team,” said Arejola, who stayed behind to accompany Ekwe.

After two hours of waiting, Arejola allowed the other members of the team to proceed to the hotel to take a much-needed rest after almost a five-hour flight from Manila.

Team owner Mikee Romero decided to send the 6-foot-7 Le Blanc after consultation with the coaching staff Tuesday evening. But coach Jorge Gallent is not yet certain whether he would pick the former University of Connecticut player or Fil-Am Sol Mercado.

If the opposition is strong enough, the team is likely to go for Le Blank, said Gallent.

The Nationals open their title-retention drive against Thailand on Friday before meeting the hosts on Saturday. They will face the David Zamar-mentored Malaysian team on Sunday.  – Nelson Beltran