The NBI has come out with its findings, and its recommendations regarding the Balintang Channel shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman last May. You will recall that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel fired upon a Taiwanese fishing boat after it allegedly refused to be boarded and attempted to ram the PCG vessel. The Coast Guard personnel fired upon the vessel to disable it, but in effect hitting and killing a fisherman. This resulted in an outrage against the country where Taiwan promptly imposed sanctions, particularly on our overseas contract workers, greatly affecting thousands. Violence against our countrymen already in the island nation was feared, some incidents actually happening. Two parallel investigations by Taiwanese and Philippine officials were conducted, resulting in the recommendation of homicide charges to be filed against the PCG personnel.
In the report, it stated that the PCG attempted to cover up the incident with shaky testimonies, and even splicing a video that they themselves took of the incident. A case where their own evidence was used against them. More than a hundred shots were fired upon an unarmed vessel, thereby violating the rules of engagement since they were never in grave danger or under threat from the Taiwanese fishing vessel, based on testimonies and available video footage. It was inconclusive to state that the Taiwanese vessel was intending to ram the PCG. What is more damaging is the tampering of evidence leading to an obstruction if justice which, sad to say, is not uncommon among those men in uniform. We have so many incidences, such as the Atimonan massacre and now the Cadavero rubout to show how those sworn to uphold the law tamper with it to their benefit. There are others that are just too many to mention. Suffice it to say that tampering with evidence is done by law enforcers.
With this hopefully favorable recommendation in the eyes of Taiwan, it is hoped that all sanctions imposed after the May incident will be lifted, thereby normalizing relations between the two countries. Taiwan is a partner in trade and development, and many of our citizens seek gainful employment in the island nation. Our OFWs need employment in Taiwan. The incident and the subsequent recommendation should serve as a catalyst in forging arrangements and conditions between both countries regarding fishing rights and privileges, including a clear demarcation of absolute and common territories. Nobody wants a repeat of what happened at Balintang Channel, and I really hope that the PCG will learn from this, if they can. Nobody has to die trying to make a living. The prevalent attitude of shooting now and asking questions later must stop, among all services. Too many innocent lives have been lost because there are those who see themselves as glorified gangsters than protectors of the people. It had to become an international incident, much to the embarrassment once again of our law enforcers, and probably the country.
Aren't they getting tired of this image, or they just don't care?