PH evading responsibility for shooting: Taiwan

MANILA,Philippines – Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement late Saturday, May 11, adding more context into the tensions between Taiwan and the Philippines from the Taiwanese government’s perspective.

According to Focus Taiwan News Channel’s report on the statement, the Philippines “continues to evade responsibility for the shooting” of Hung Shih-cheng, a Taiwanese fisherman who was killed in an incident with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday, May 9. 

The Ministry states that the Philippines has not publicly apologized for the shooting which “has angered the government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan).” It is demanding that the Philippines not only issue a formal apology, but also compensate the victim’s family for their loss and to investigate what happened and “punish the perpetrators.” The statement also says the Philippines should open fishery agreement talks with Taiwan.

Prior to the release of this statement, Antonio Basilio, the managing director of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taipei, visited the family of slain Taiwanese fisherman Hung Shih-cheng on Saturday, May 11, to apologize and offer his condolences for Hung’s death.

A few hours later, the Taiwanese government sent out an ultimatum to the Philippines. The ultimatum afforded the Philippines 72 hours to respond to Taiwan’s requests, which appears to be what is noted in this publicized statement. Failing that, Taiwan will institute a hiring freeze for Filipino workers seeking employment in Taiwan.

Taiwan has also dispatched 4 coastguard and naval vessels to add to the country’s patrols near the Philippines. – Rappler.com