Phl apologizes to family of slain Taiwanese fisherman

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine government, through its resident representative in the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taipei, has issued an apology and extended its condolences to the family of the Taiwanese fisherman killed last Thursday.

“Mr. Antonio Basilio, resident representative of the MECO in Taiwan, has visited the family of the victim and extended condolences and offered his apologies,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said.

Malacañang issued the statement over the weekend after Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou warned they would consider sanctions against the Philippines over the shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman in a high seas scrum.

“We extend our sincere and deepest sympathies and condolences to the bereaved family of the victim,” Valte added.

Taiwan accused the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) of opening fire on the boat of 65-year-old fisherman Hung Shih-cheng, who was killed in the attack. His boat was reportedly riddled with more than 50 bullet holes.

Valte reiterated the government is investigating the incident that occurred in the Bashi Strait, about midway between southern Taiwan and northern Philippines.

She said the commander of the Coast Guard ship MCS 3001 along with the crew involved in the incident have been relieved of their duties.

“The PCG, together with other agencies, assures everyone that this investigation will be conducted in an impartial, transparent and expeditious manner. Moving forward, relevant agencies will look into ways to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future,” Valte said.

Malacañang, however, maintained the Taiwanese fishing boat was sailing on Philippine waters.

The PCG acknowledged that its personnel had opened fire on the Taiwanese boat, the Kuang Ta Hsing No. 28, but said they acted in self-defense.

PCG commandant Rear Adm. Rodolfo Isorena said the Coast Guard personnel were forced to fire because the fishing vessel attempted to ram them.

Isorena said the PCG personnel involved were only performing their duty of stopping illegal fishing and poaching inside Philippine territory.

Valte said they would defer further comment over the incident.

“We saw that particular report that several demands (from the Taiwanese) have been made and we’re deferring comment on that as of the moment,” she said.