Duterte welcomes PH-China probe on sinking of boat at Recto Bank

PROOF OF COLLISION Photo shows the damaged fantail of the fishing boat Gem-Vir 1 after it was salvaged by Philippine Navy divers at Recto Bank in the South China Sea. The boat was hit from behind by a Chinese vessel on June 9, 2019. —PHILIPPINE NAVY PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte welcomes a joint investigation by the Philippines and China on the ramming and sinking of the Filipino boat by a Chinese vessel at the Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea.

“The President welcomes a joint investigation and an early resolution of the case. We will await a formal communication from the Chinese Embassy,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a text message. 

Panelo issued this statement in response to the Chinese embassy’s statement, saying: “To find a proper solution, we suggest a joint investigation at an early date so the two sides can exchange respective initial findings and properly handle the matter through friendly consultations based on mutually-recognized investigation results.” (Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)