PH to send NBI team to Taiwan over killing of fisherman

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — A team of agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will go to Taiwan as part of its investigation following the fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman off the coast of northern Philippines.

“The NBI team will do an inspection of the fishing vessel as well as conduct forensic and ballistic examinations,” Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said Thursday in a statement.

“We are hoping to get cooperation of witnesses and survivors in the probe regarding the fisherman’s death,” she added.

The Justice chief said the NBI’s investigation will determine what really happened and the possible liabilities on the side of the Philippines.

Philippine coastguards shot dead 65-year-old Hung Shih-Cheng last week after they said his vessel illegally sailed into Philippine waters.

The NBI, De Lima said will coordinate with the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO).