Taipei to pursue own homicide charges vs PCG men

MANILA, Philippines - Taiwan prosecutors are also preparing homicide charges against eight Filipino coast guards who are facing the same charges in the Philippines for the fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman last May.

Taiwan’s foreign ministry said the Pingtung District Prosecutors Office announced on Wednesday that it would press charges against the eight members of the Philippine Coast Guard for the killing of 65-year-old Hung Shih-cheng on May 9 off Batanes during a sea chase.

The National Bureau of Investigation had recommended on Wednesday the indictment of commanding officer Arnold de la Cruz, Petty Officer 2 Richard Fernandez Corpuz, Seaman 2nd Class Nicky Reynold Aurello, and Seamen 1st Class Edrando Quiapo Aguila, Mhelvin Bendo, Andy Gibb Ronario Golfo, Sunny Galang Masangcay, and Henry Baco Solomon.

The NBI said the eight violated the rules of engagement and used “deadly force” in killing Hung.

Under Taiwanese law, homicide is punishable with death, or 10 years to life imprisonment.

In the Philippines, the statutory sentence for homicide is imprisonment from 12 years and one day to 20 years.

“From the outset of the incident, the ROC (Republic of China) government has taken a proactive, firm stance in ongoing talks with the Philippine government to obtain justice for the victim’s family, protect the interests of fishermen and defend the country’s dignity and position,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

An agreement on compensation had also been reached between the MECO and the victim’s family.

“Based on the traditionally friendly ties between Taiwan and the Philippines, the ROC will take concrete measures to further strengthen bilateral relations in trade and economy, science and technology, and culture,” the foreign ministry added.

Taipei released its report on its investigation into the shooting at a news conference presided over by deputy minister of foreign affairs ambassador Ting Joseph Shih and deputy minister of justice Chen Ming-tang, one hour after Manila announced the result of its investigation.