PCG says it will wait for NBI report

AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will wait for the full and official report of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) that recommended the filing of homicide charges against eight of its personnel for the fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman before issuing any statement.

Cmdr. Armand Balilo, PCG spokesman, said Wednesday they will not yet make any comments with regards to the findings of the NBI.

The NBI recommended Wednesday that homicide charges be filed against the eight PCG personnel responsible for the fatal shooting of Taiwanese fisherman Hung Shih-cheng last May 9.

The NBI indicated in its findings that the incident happened within Philippine territorial waters and that the Taiwanese fishermen did not have firearms.

Four PCG officials would also be charged with obstruction of justice for the tampering of evidence, the NBI said.

When asked where the personnel and officials were, Balilo said “They are just here [in the PCG headquarters].”

Last May 9, Hung was killed after the PCG fired upon the ship he was on which had allegedly intruded into the Philippine waters.

His death caused outrage in Taiwan, which demanded an official apology from the Philippine government.

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