The President will be sending a personal representative to “convey his and the Filipino people’s deep regret and apology to the family of Mr. Hung Shi-chen as well as to the people of Taiwan”, Malacanang said Wednesday.
The announcement by Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda came as reports that Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou ordered a freeze on hiring Filipino workers to express dissatisfaction at Manila’s response to the death of a Taiwanese fisherman shot and killed by Philippine Coast Guard personnel in Philippine waters.
Lacierda said Manila Economic and Cultural Office chairman Amadeo Perez will speak on the behalf of the President. The Philippines does not have an embassy with Taiwan because it follows the One China Policy.
“Upon orders from the President, the National Bureau of Investigation has already started the investigation and is committed to a thorough, exhaustive, impartial and expeditious investigation of the incident. The NBI has given this case the highest priority,” Lacierda also said.
According to the Coast Guard, Hung Shi-chen wa shot as the fishing vessel he was on was trying to ram a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel. Taiwan has demanded an apology from the Republic of the Philippines and compensation for the family of the slain Taiwanese fisherman.
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Photo: Ramon F. Velasquez
