There has been a report of a fatal use of force by the Philippine Coast Guard against a small Taiwanese fishing vessel.
There is certainly a lot of tension in the area, but the Philippines claim the incident took place in waters recognized as Philippine by all parties. The part of the story I find most disturbing was this statement by the Philippine Coast Guard spokesman.
Balilo said the coastguard quickly left the area after it saw a third vessel, “a big white ship”, come into view.
“Our people felt threatened so they left the area,” he said.
Because they left the scene rather than continuing with the seizure of the vessel it will be impossible to have a proper investigation of the incident.
Eleven Philippine Coast Guardsmen have been suspended pending results of an investigation.
Pingback: Death of a Fisherman | Center for International Maritime SecurityCenter for International Maritime Security
Latest on the “war” of words. The word “war” is inflammatory, but it does not look like that is what is really meant. They are really talking about a long period of tension. Taiwan is trying to hurt the Philippines and it appears they are trying to use this incident to extract concessions from the Philippines.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/05/18/taiwan-gears-for-war-vs-ph/
Perhaps a warning to be careful what you do on camera. Coast Guardsmen seen to be laughing as they shoot into the F/V:
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/76231/ph-coast-guards-laughed-while-firing
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/76305/pcg-video-doesnt-show-22-coast-guards-laughing
http://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/30195-standing-firm-against-taiwan-s-strong-arm-tactics
hi Chuck, i regularly read you’re informative posts in timawa. The few links above to help to update about the situation.
Thanks, Rob
(timawa.net is a Philippine defense forum I started following when 378s were transferred to the Philippines. http://www.timawa.net/forum/index.php#c1)
Philippine investigation finds Coast Guardsmen culpable in death of Taiwanese fisherman.
http://ph.news.yahoo.com/philippine-coast-guards-liable-taiwan-fishermans-death-040003390.html
Some additional info and 44 seconds of the video which makes it clear the Philippine Coast Guardsmen were not shooting in self defense. Eight Coast Guardsmen face homicide charges. http://globalnation.inquirer.net/83163/video-of-laughing-ph-coast-guard-in-taiwan-shooting-incident-released
Here is a video of part of the incident. Looks like the Taiwanese vessel is fast for a fishing vessel. There is smuggling in the area too.