http://www.china.org.cn/world/2013-05/15/content_28824961.htm
Philippines says sorry for death of fisherman
The Philippine government last night reversed its stance over the shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman and agreed to three demands from Taipei authorities -- a formal apology, the speeding up of an investigation into the death and punishment for the perpetrators.
However, it stopped short of mentioning the demand for compensation to be paid to the fisherman's family.
The announcement came at a late-night press conference given by the Philippines' representative to Taiwan, Antonio Basilio, after he arrived in Taipei from Manila.
The Taiwanese authorities had set a deadline of midnight last night for the apology and had warned the Philippines of diplomatic and economic measures if it did not respond positively.
Basilio had returned to Manila on Monday to discuss the handling of the incident.
Hung Sih-cheng, 65, was shot dead last Thursday when a Philippine coast guard vessel opened fire on his boat.
Though Basilio visited the family of the dead man and expressed his sympathy and condolences, the Philippines had refused to make a formal apology, saying that an inquiry into the matter had begun and it would be better to wait for the results.
Earlier yesterday, Philippine presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said his country would rather defer any comment on a response to Taiwan's demands over the incident involving the Taiwanese fishing vessel.
"If there will be a response, it will be handled through the proper channels and not through the media," Lacierda said in a news briefing at Malacanang, the presidential palace.
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman also said yesterday that China hoped the Philippines would conduct a thorough investigation into the fatal shooting of the fisherman.
"We hope the Philippines will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and provide a concrete explanation at an early date," spokesman Hong Lei said.
"We have always firmly safeguarded the safety and legitimate rights and interests of our Taiwan compatriots," Hong noted, adding that the central government had already made strong representations to the Philippines.
Last week, a spokesman for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office condemned the shooting, calling it "barbaric."
Source:
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