Batanes court sets trial of PCG men in Taiwan fisherman’s slay

Taiwan government experts along with National Bureau of Investigation personnel are onboard the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) patrol boat Maritime Control Surveillance 3001, the patrol boat used by PCG when the fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman happened, docked at a pier in Manila on May 28, 2013. AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The Batanes Regional Trial Court has already set the trial for members of the Philippine Coast Guard accused of killing a Taiwanese fisherman last year.

Assistant State Prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera said the trial would start on Nov. 24 and 25.

Also, Seaman 1^st Class Edrando Aguila is scheduled for arraignment on Nov. 24.

Trial has been set after the court has dismissed the motion to quash by the Coast Guard officers who assailed the information for homicide filed against them.

The other accused, Commanding Officer Arnold Enrique dela Cruz, Seamen 1^stClass Mhelvin Aguilar Bendo II, Andy Gibb Ronario Golfo, Sunny Galang Masangkay and Henry Baco, SN2 Nickey Reynold Aurellio and PO2 Richard Fernandez Corpus were already arraigned and pleaded not guilty to the crime charged.

Navera added that the trial would push through because the Supreme Court has not yet acted on the request of the accused to transfer the trial to Manila.

Last year, the PCG personnel were on board a vessel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, patrolling off Balintang Island when they intercepted the Taiwanese fishing vessel allegedly poaching in Philippine waters.

After a brief sea chase, they fired at the fishing vessel, killing the Taiwanese fisherman.

The incident sparked tension between the Philippines and Taiwan.

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