MECO Chairman Amadeo R Perez (right) with Hung Chen A-lun (centre), widow of Taiwanese fisherman Hung Shih-cheng, during a news conference in Liuqiu, Pingtung County, southern Taiwan yesterday.
TAIPEI: A Philippine special envoy visited Taiwan yesterday to offer an “official apology” for the fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman, a move likely to ease strained ties.
Amadeo R Perez, Chairman of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office which handles relations in the absence of diplomatic ties, travelled to the small southern port town of Hsiaoliuchiu to meet the family of fisherman Hung Shih-cheng.
Perez, in TV comments, said he wished to convey “the Philippine people’s deep regret and apology to the family of Mr Hung Shih-cheng over this unfortunate loss of life of their beloved one”.
“May I respectfully present our official letter of apology to the family of Mr Hung on behalf of our president and our people,” he told Hung’s widow, before giving her the letter and shaking her hands.
Tensions rose sharply after the 65-year-old old was shot dead by Filipino coastguards on May 9 in waters near an island in the Philippines’ north, which Taiwan claims as part of its economic zone.
Taiwan rejected earlier apologies as inadequate and imposed sanctions, including a ban on hiring new Filipino workers, an advisory urging Taiwanese not to visit the Philippines and the suspension of trade and academic exchanges.
But tensions eased after Philippine authorities said they had recommended homicide charges against eight Filipino coastguards.
Taiwan welcomed the move as a “constructive response” and the Foreign Ministry said the government lifted its sanctions.
“The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan’s official title) announces that the sanction against the Philippines is removed immediately after the Filipino side has displayed apology and goodwill in written statements and action.”
Perez had visited Taiwan in May as a “personal representative” of President Benigno Aquino, but his apology was rejected because he had described Hung’s death as “unintended.”
The killing caused outrage and protests in Taiwan, with President Ma Ying-jeou describing it as “cold-blooded murder” as Taipei responded with sanctions and navy drills.
AFP
