Taiwan secures Filipinos following attacks

MANILA, Philippines - The Taiwanese government has heightened the security for Filipinos following incidents of attacks by some locals amid a diplomatic crisis over the killing of a Taiwanese fisherman off Batanes earlier this month.

Manila Economic and Cultural Development (MECO) Chairman Amadeo Perez said Taiwan authorities have increased police visibility in areas where the Filipinos were attacked.

"Doon sa lugar na may mga nasaktan, doble ang in-assign nilang pulis at tinututukan po lahat ng kaganapan na tungkol sa harassment at violence against our people," Perez said in a radio interview on Thursday, recounting a conversation he recently had with Taiwan foreign affairs minister David Lin.

Some Filipinos have experienced forms of mistreatment from some Taiwanese including being hit with baseball bats and raiding of dormitories In the past few weeks.

Related story: 2 more Pinoys in Taiwan attacked with baseball bat

Tensions included orders from Taiwan government to stop hiring Filipino workers and a "red" travel alert for Taiwanese wanting to enter the Philippines.

Perez added that he believes Taiwan officials as of late are keen on proving they are "on top of the situation" and are willing to help ease the diplomatic tension with the Philippines.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte also said on Wednesday that the country's sour relationship with Taiwan over the fisherman's killing "has subsided a little."

Related story: Palace: Tensions between PH, Taiwan 'eased a bit'

Perez, meanwhile, denied reports that the Philippine government offered aid to the family of the slain 65-year-old fisherman.

"Ang pera (ay) manggagaling sa mga Taiwanese businessmen na nasa Pilipinas at mga Pilipino businessmen, pero hindi 'yon ang halagang sinabi namin," Perez said.

He failed, however, to mention how much the financial aid is worth.