PH confirms ‘parallel probe’ with Taiwan

MANILA, Philippines – Justice Secretary Leila de Lima confirmed on Monday, May 20, that a “parallel investigation” would take place between Taiwan and the Philippines — instead of a joint investigation — over the killing of a Taiwanese fisherman in Philippine waters.

“There would be coordinated efforts between the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Taiwan team. But results of one probe will support that of the other,” De Lima said.

READ: Taiwan: ‘We agreed on parallel probe’

She stressed that both countries understood that neither side would be interfering with each other’s probe. “We want to show Taiwan that NBI is sincere and serious,” De Lima added.

De Lima added that the NBI is ready to go to Taiwan, conduct its own probe, and re-autopsy the body of the slain fisherman.

Earlier, Minister of Foreign Affairs David Lin confirmed that Taipei and Manila have reached a consensus on initiating a joint investigation over the shooting of the Taiwanese fisherman.

“Both sides have agreed to arrange for the other side to conduct fact-finding trips in their respective countries to discover the truth behind the fatal shooting and have shown willingness to cooperate with each other during their individual investigations,” Lin said.

Lin also disclosed that a team of Taiwanese investigators will return to the Philippines, but will “coordinate” with Philippine authorities first.

“Both sides have to establish a communication mechanism and agree on the details of cooperation before Taiwan again sends an investigation team,” Lin said.

OFWs hurt

Meanwhile, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that Taiwan assured the Philippines that it will increase protection and security for overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in Taiwan.

“They [Taiwan officials] are apparently ready to provide, the additional protection, we hope that these incidents will not be repeated,” Valte said.

Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) Chairman Amadeo Perez confirmed on Monday that there are now 3 Filipinos who were attacked in Taiwan amid continuing tension between Manila and Taipei.

Perez identified the 3 Filipinos as Joey De Leon of Lingayen, Pangasinan; Danilo Taperla; and Renato Puro.

“Out of danger, no one was seriously injured and all incidents and statements were already reported to the police,” Perez said. He also denied earlier reports that a Filipino and a Vietnamese were killed due to growing tension in Taiwan.

Perez also revealed the creation of a task force to check on the situation of Filipino workers.

“We have organized a task force comprising of MECO  employees plus the attached agencies like the Department of Labor, attending to any problem. Most of our OFWs if not all of them, know our telephone numbers in three offices in Taiwan and that we have sent out notices that if something happens to them they should inform our office immediately,” said Perez. – Rappler.com