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Taiwan gives Philippines ultimatum after fatal shooting of fisherman
  • | Reuters | May 13, 2013 03:07 PM
Taiwan has issued an ultimatum to the Philippines to make an official apology to the family of a Taiwanese fisherman who died in a fatal shooting by the Philippine Coast Guard in waters off the northern Philippines or pay a price.



An official waves to Taiwan naval Lafayette-class frigate (L) and Taiwan Coast Guard frigate as the vessels sail out of the port of Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan

The Philippines and Taiwan have overlapping exclusive economic zones (EEZs) in waters in the Philippine north.

A Philippines fisheries official said one of its vessels, acting under the threat of being rammed, opened fire last Thursday on a Taiwanese fishing boat about 170 nautical miles southeast of Taiwan, killing one person on board.

Philippines presidential deputy spokesperson Abigail Valte said on Sunday the head of the de facto Philippine embassy in Taiwan had apologized and offered his condolences to the family.

Asked if the apology was an acknowledgement that the Philippines authorities made a mistake, Valte said it was more of an "expression of heartfelt sorrow at the unfortunate incident," stressing that investigations are ongoing and it would be better to wait for the results of the probe.

But Taiwan is not satisfied with the Philippines actions.

"If the Philippines presidential office continues to respond to our request in such an attitude... They will have to pay a price," according to a statement from Taiwan's presidential office.

Taiwan will freeze all new applications of Filipinos to work on the island, local media reported. There are currently 80,000 Filipinos working in Taiwan.

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