MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III has appointed a personal representative to convey another apology over the shooting death of a Taiwanese fisherman.
The appointment came after Taiwan rejected Manila's apology for the death of Hung Shih-cheng, ordering the recall of its representatve to Manila and discouraging travel to the Philippines. Taiwan has also ordered a freeze on the hiring of Filipino workers.
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda on Wednesday added that Aquino ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to prioritize the probe on the death of Hung. The Philippine Coast Guard has claimed that it opened fire on a Taiwanese fishing vessel in disputed waters in the Bashi Strait off the northern Philippines, killing the victim.
Manila said the personnel of the PCG acted in self-defense because the Taiwanese fishing vessel was about to ram a government ship .
"We understand the grief and hurt of the family and of the people of Taiwan over this unfortunate loss and we empathize with them," Lacierda said.
Lacierda said Amadeo Perez, Manila Economic and Cultural Office chairman, will convey the president's "deep regret and apology" for the unfortunate incident.Perez will also meet with the family of the victim.
Lacierda appealed for calm and sobrierty following reports that Filipino workers in Taiwan are being maltreated owing to the incident.
"We appeal to the people of Taiwan not to involve our people. We appeal for calm and sobriety as our people are there and working for an honest living," Lacierda added.