PH govt will compensate kin of Taiwanese fisherman killed in Coast Guard operation

From InterAksyon (May 16): PH govt will compensate kin of Taiwanese fisherman killed in Coast Guard operation

The Aquino administration is ready to compensate the family of Taiwanese fisherman Hung Shih-Chen who was killed as the Philippine Coast Guard apprehended his fishing vessel for illegally entering Philippine waters.

In his statement before leaving Taipei Thursday, Manila Economic and Cultural Office chairman Amadeo Perez also denied he was snubbed by Taiwan's Foreign Ministry.

Perez said while he was not able to meet with Foreign Minister David Lin, he had an audience with Foreign Affairs director-general Benjamin Ho Wednesday evening.

"In my capacity as the designated personal representative of President Benigno S. Aquino III, I came to convey the President’s and the Filipino people’s deep regret and apology over the unfortunate and unintended loss of life in the course of a fisheries law enforcement operation on 09 May 2013 by a Philippine Coast Guard/Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources maritime patrol in waters in the northern Philippines," Perez said.

"I also came to convey our readiness to give financial assistance to the family of Mr. Hung as a token of solidarity and as an expression of sympathy by the Filipino people for the demise of Mr. Hung," the MECO chief added.

Perez also reiterated that the President has already ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to probe the maritime incident.

"We understand the grief and hurt of the family and of the people of Taiwan over this unfortunate loss and we wish to reaffirm the high regard and respect of the people of the Philippines for the people of Taiwan," Perez added.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Perez also discussed with Ho "ways to avoid a similar occurrence from happening again."

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/61937/ph-govt-will-compensate-kin-of-taiwanese-fisherman-killed-in-coast-guard-operation