Palace 'expresses sorrow' for Taiwanese fisherman's death
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Manila Economic and Cultural Office representative Antonio Basilio already visited the family of the victim and "offered his apologies on behalf of the Philippine government."
"As the Philippine Coast Guard has stated, we express our heartfelt sorrow on the unfortunate situation that occurred during one of the anti-illegal fishing patrols conducted by a Philippine fishery law enforcement vessel (MCS 3001) within the maritime jurisdiction (waters off the Batanes group of islands) of the Philippines on the morning of May 9, which tragically resulted in the death of a fisherman from one of the fishing vessels reportedly poaching in the area," a Malacañang statement quoted her as saying.
A Taiwan news report said President Ma Ying-jeou convened a high-ranking meeting Saturday night, and demanded four things from the Philippines:
- a formal apology
- compensation for the losses
- getting to the bottom of the incident and punishing the perpetrators of the killing
- fisheries talks between the Philippines and Taiwan as soon as possible.
Taiwan warned it will suspend the importation of Philippine labor, recall its representative in Manila, and ask the Philippine envoy in Taiwan to return to his home country if there is no favorable response by Tuesday.
Valte said the investigation into the incident has started with the arrival of the commander of MCS 3001. She added the vessel's commander and his crew "have been relieved of their duties.”
“Moving forward, relevant agencies will look into ways to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future,” she said.
Ready for talks
Meanwhile, Taiwan on Sunday said it is ready to start fisheries talks with the Philippines.
Fisheries Agency Director-General James Sha said the negotiations can begin at any time, according to a report by Taiwan's Central News Agency.
Deputy Director-General Tsai Jih-yao added Taiwan had long been interested in negotiating a fisheries agreement with the Philippines but Manila had been reluctant.
Presently, both sides have set up a working group to deal with fishing disputes involving fishermen from both sides.
The CNA report said the group was formed under a memorandum of understanding on fisheries and agriculture cooperation signed by both sides in 2005. — BM/HS, GMA News
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