Basilan boat accident not related to Balikatan, says US Embassy

MANILA, Philippines – The United States Embassy in Manila clarified on Friday that the incident involving a US vessel that hit and killed a fisherman in Basilan Wednesday was not related to the annual Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) exercises between American and Filipino troops.

“I should point out that the boat was in fact unrelated to the Balikatan,” said Tina Malone, spokesperson of the US Embassy in a text message.

“We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the victim. We understand that appropriate authorities have begun an immediate investigation into the incident, and the Joint Special Task Force – Philippines is cooperating fully,” she said.

On Wednesday evening, a US vessel on its way back to Zamboanga after a civic action program collided with a local fishing boat which killed one and injured another.

The military, through Colonel Ricardo Visaya of Joint Task Force Basilan, said it was an accident.

“Although meron silang navigation equipment basta na lang sumulpot itong maliit na bangka, hindi mo rin talaga makita rin [Although they have navigation equipment, the small boat suddenly appeared. You really can’t see them],” he said.

“The family accepted na talagang it is an accident ano so although alam natin na liable sila but then it was all settled with the intervention of the former mayor,” he added.