The ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs branded the Philippines government response to its 72-hour ultimatum over the killing of a Taiwan fisherman “unclear,” demanding the matter be addressed immediately and in a proper fashion.
Although Manila replied before the deadline, some of its answers were unsatisfactory, MOFA Minister David Y. L. Lin said during a news conference in the early hours of the morning May 15 at the ministry’s headquarters in Taipei City.
The Philippines government must finalize compensation arrangements for the family of the slain fisherman; guarantee that such a tragic incident will not happen again; and quickly establish a joint investigation committee to conduct a fair and transparent examination of the incident, Lin said. He added that this investigation has to be completed without delay and the killers brought to justice.
Lin’s remarks pertain to the death of Hung Shih Cheng, 65, during an armed attack May 9 on his fishing boat Guang Da Xing No. 28 by a Philippines government vessel 164 nautical miles southeast of Cape Eluanbi, Taiwan’s southernmost point.
Antonio I. Basilio, representative of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan, said during the conference that MECO Chairman Amadeo Perez will visit the Hung family to “convey the Filipino people’s deep regret and apology… and to turn over donations received from commiserating citizens of the Philippines.”
The Philippines National Bureau of Investigation will also “lead a thorough, exhaustive, impartial and expeditious investigation of the incident,” Basilio said, adding that all relevant agencies in his country have been instructed to meet and discuss measures to prevent such tragedy from reoccurring.
In response, Lin said the two sides should initiate fishery cooperation talks at once and arrange for the meeting to be held by the end of May.
“The ROC government will make every effort to strengthen the protection of its fishing rights in the southern exclusive economic zone, safeguard sovereignty, and maintain fishermen’s rights, interests and safety,” Lin said. (JSM)
Write to Grace Kuo at mlkuo@mofa.gov.tw