PH envoy to Taiwan apologizes to fisherman’s family

MANILA, Philippines – 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.

Focus Taiwan News Channel reports that Basilio, accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister David Lin, went to Hung Shih-cheng’s home in Siaoliouchiou Island off Pingtung County in southern Taiwan.

An interpreter translated Basilio’s apology, where he told the family that what happened was the result of a misunderstanding. He also offered his condolences over the family’s loss.

Basilio added that Philippine authorities were investigating the incident and would work with Taiwan to figure out the location of the incident and the reasons behind the shooting. He also mentioned that the culpable parties would be punished in accordance with the law.

Lin also mentioned to Hung’s family that a task force was being set up to probe into what happened and what caused the incident. The task force would be comprised of members of the Ministry of Justice, the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) and additional relevant government agencies.

While this apology appears to have occurred before Taiwan announced a 72-hour ultimatum on a response from the Philippines regarding Hung’s death, it is unclear at present whether the Taiwanese government knew of the apology prior to discussing their options and announcing their ultimatum or whether the Taiwanese government had knowledge of the apology and is seeking a statement from a higher-ranking member of the Philippine government. – Rappler.com