3 Taiwanese fishermen to testify vs PCG men

MANILA, Philippines - Three colleagues of a slain Taiwanese fisherman are in the country to testify at today’s hearing of the homicide charges filed against eight members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Shang Yu Ze Hong, Hung Yu Chih and Hong Zhe, and their lawyers Chen Feng Fu and Chen Zhou Han arrived at about 9 a.m. yesterday from Taipei.

The three were summoned by the Department of Justice (DOJ) through the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in order to shed light on the killing of Hung She Cheng allegedly by the PCG men in Balintang Channel last May 9.

Sources told The STAR that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) would provide security for the Taiwanese.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima earlier said the DOJ investigating panel required the presence of the three Taiwanese in order to attest and sign their affidavits.

Last month, the NBI filed homicide charges against Cost Guard commanding officer Arnold de la Cruz, Petty Officer 2 Richard Corpuz, Seaman Second Class Nicky Reynold Aurello, and Seamen First Class Edrando Aguila, Melvin Bendo, Andy Gibb Golfo, Sunny Masangcay and Henry Solomon.

De la Cruz and Bendo are also facing charges of obstruction of justice, along with Seaman First Class Marvin Ramirez and LTJG Martin Bernabe, for allegedly submitting tampered evidence including a “spliced” video footage of the incident.

The four were also alleged to have given a false report on the number of bullets discharged during the shooting. – With Rudy Santos