MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang claimed on Wednesday that the tensions between the Philippines and Taiwan have slightly subsided nearly two weeks after a suspected Taiwanese poacher was shot dead in waters off Batanes.
“So far, sa ating nakikita medyo bumababa na nang kaunti,†said Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte.
Valte has spoken to Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) chairman Amadeo Perez Jr., who said that Taiwanese officials appreciated President Benigno Aquino III’s word of thanks for assuring the safety of Filipinos there.
“This was received well by the Taiwanese side and they said that they will ensure that no harm will come to our citizens there,†Valte said.
Earlier this week, Perez said three Filipinos in Taiwan have been beaten up amid public furor there following the Philippine Coast Guard's fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman. Related story: 2 more Pinoys in Taiwan attacked with baseball bat
The Philippines and Taiwan have agreed to a parallel investigation on the shooting incident.
Valte said part of the probe is to determine whether the incident happened within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or within Taiwan's territorial waters.
“The investigation is very exhaustive and they’re looking at all factors that may be contributory that may have any particular impact on the incident itself. So titingnan po nilang lahat ‘yan.â€
Taiwan has claimed that the incident may have happened in disputed waters since the EEZs of the two countries "overlap." Related story: Shooting of Taiwanese fisherman in disputed waters?
Valte said investigators will counter Taiwan's claim and release a report once the entire investigation is finished.