Taiwan, PH probers to discuss findings

MANILA, Philippines – Taiwanese probers investigating the death of a Taiwanese fisherman returned to Manila on Thursday, June 6, to discuss their findings with their counterparts from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). 

It was earlier reported that the Taiwanese probers requested the meeting with the NBI to discuss their reports, according to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.

De Lima, however, clarified that the meeting will not lead to any “cross-checking” of findings. She said the discussion will remain a “closed-door” session to avoid any premature disclosure of findings.

She added, “It was understood that we can’t force each side’s findings if it’s not the same with each other.”

The Philippines and Taiwan have been investigating the shooting by Philippine Coast Guard personnel of 65-year-old Taiwanese fisherman Hung Shih-Cheng on May 9. 

The Philippines has insisted the Taiwanese fishing boat intruded into its waters and that coastguards were forced to open fire when it tried to ram their vessel.

Taiwan has rejected this account, insisting the fishing boat was within its exclusive economic zone. In a bid to settle the controversy, Manila and Taipei swapped teams of investigators.

On May 27, the Philippines and Taiwan started their “cooperative parallel investigation” regarding the incident.

OFWs banned

Meanwhile, Taiwan maintained its ban on hiring new workers from the Philippines. 

POEA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said they have been “monitoring the situation and awaiting the positive result.”

“There are still processing of workers whose application for hiring was submitted on or before May 15,” Cacdac said.

Liberty Casco, deputy administrator of Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), confirmed that Taiwan has “freeze hired” applications of Filipino workers since May 15. – Rappler.com