The ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated May 12 that the Philippine government should issue a formal apology for the recent fatal attack on a Taiwan fishing boat by one of its vessels.
Guang Da Xing No. 28 encountered gunfire from the Philippine ship 164 nautical miles southeast of Cape Eluanbi, Taiwan’s southernmost point, at around 10 a.m. May 9. The assault killed 65-year-old Hung Shih Cheng, one of four crew members on board, while severely damaging the vessel. A total of 45 bullet entry points were later found in the boat.
The MOFA made the remarks following release of a statement by its Philippine counterpart the same day. In the document, the Philippine government expressed its “sincere and deepest sympathies and condolences” to the Hung family.
Personnel aboard Philippine Coast Guard vessel No. MSC3001 have been suspended of their duties and will be subject to a fair, timely and transparent investigation, according to Manila’s statement.
The statement, containing no formal apology, “is unacceptable,” the MOFA said. “We demand that the Philippine government immediately issue an apology, provide compensation for all losses, uncover and punish those responsible, and accelerate the initiation of Taipei-Manila fishery talks.
“If we don’t receive a positive response within 72 hours beginning midnight May 12, we will suspend application processes for Filipino laborers seeking work in Taiwan, recall the ROC representative to the Philippines and request the Philippine representative to Taiwan return to Manila to assist in settling the matter,” the MOFA stressed, reiterating the ultimatum issued May 11 by the Presidential Office.
“The ROC government has always been firm on safeguarding sovereignty, protecting fishing rights and maintaining its people’s rights and interests,” the MOFA said. “The Philippine government must acknowledge the seriousness of the situation. Fatally attacking an unarmed boat is an intolerable act of violence that cannot be justified as self-defense.”
Separately, Antonio I. Basilio, representative of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan, visited the Hung family May 11.
“I would like to offer my apology for the loss of your husband and I would also like to convey the deep condolences of my government about your loss,” Basilio told Hung’s wife. (THN)
Write to Grace Kuo at mlkuo@mofa.gov.tw