MANILA, Philippines - Taiwan investigators are back in Manila to discuss their findings on the killing of a suspected Taiwanese poacher off Balintang Channel last May 9 with Filipino authorities.
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Nonnatus Caesar Rojas said the Taiwanese arrived yesterday morning.
The meeting with Taiwan investigators will be private and the public will not be informed about the discussion.
Coast Guard spokesman Commander Armand Balilo said they are just awaiting the NBI to complete its investigation and release its report.
“The Coast Guard is not part of the investigation,†he said.
“We have no information on the investigation of Taiwan. We are just waiting. It is the NBI and the Department of Justice that are investigating.â€
Fishing deal eyed
Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou is eyeing a fishing deal with the Philippines in a move to restore good relations between the two countries.
In an interview with the Japanese Kyodo News, Ma said he hopes to see the dispute over the shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman by the Philippine Coast Guard come to an end so both sides can resume bilateral ties. – With Evelyn Macairan