Taiwanese fishermen shot dead by Philippine coastguard

On 9th May, the Filipino coastguard opened fire at a Taiwanese fishing boat, killing one out of the four crewmen onboard.

The Philippines said the action took place within its waters, and it had no knowledge of the killing that resulted.

The Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou condemned the Filipino government. The shooting took place in the Bashi Channel, about midway between southern Taiwan and northern Philippines. Coastguard personnel aboard the Filipino surveillance vessel fired at the unarmed Taiwanese fishing boat. The deceased’s son insisted that the boat did not cross into Philippine waters.

Ma stated that ‘No country should use force against an unarmed fishing boat’ and described the shooting as ‘uncivilised’. The machine-gun shots left more than 50 bullet holes on the vessel.

Taiwan’s foreign ministry had asked the Philippine government for an apology, to punish those involved, pay compensation, and to ensure the tragedy would not be repeated.

Philippe coastguard spokesperson Commander Armand Balilo said the Filipino personnel had been properly carrying out their duties to stop illegal fishing. He also said, ‘If somebody died, they deserve our sympathy but not an apology’.

Manila agreed to investigate and pledged increased efforts to prevent further incursions into its territorial waters.