The Philippine Coast Guard will turn over the firearm involved in a shooting incident that killed a Taiwanese fisherman on a fishing boat within Philippine territory, its spokesman said Thursday.
Commander Armand Balilo, Coast Guard spokesperson, said the PCG will comply with a request from the National Bureau of Investigation to hand over the firearm. According to an Interaksyon report, video footage of the incident, which took place 43 nautical miles east of Batanes island, has already been turned over to the NBI.
Coast Guard personnel aboard Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel MCS 3001reportedly fired at the Taiwanese vessel’s engine to stop it from ramming them. The shot killed a Taiwanese fisherman on board.
The Philippines, as well as President Benigno Aquino III, have apologized over the incident but Taiwan wants an official apology and compensation for the dead fisherman’s family.
The demand for an official apology is made more complex by the One China Policy that the Philippines adheres to. Instead of an official embassy, the Philippines and Taiwan have economic and cultural offices that act as de facto embassies.
Taiwan has announced a freeze on hiring Filipino workers and military exercises near Batanes.
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Photo: Facebook page of MCS Thirtyzeroone
