Statement of Chairman Amadeo Perez / Manila Economic and Cultural Office
In my capacity as the designated personal representative of President Benigno S. Aquino III, I came to convey the President’s and the Filipino people’s deep regret and apology over the unfortunate and unintended loss of life in the course of a fisheries law enforcement operation on 09 May 2013 by a Philippine Coast Guard/Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources maritime patrol in waters in the northern Philippines. I also came to convey our readiness to give financial assistance to the family of Mr. Hung as a token of solidarity and as an expression of sympathy by the Filipino people for the demise of Mr. Hung. Upon orders from the President, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has already initiated the investigation and is committed to a thorough, exhaustive, impartial and expeditious investigation of the incident. The NBI has given this case the highest priority. I am grateful for the meeting with Director-General Benjamin Ho of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs last night. We understand the grief and hurt of the family and of the people of Taiwan over this unfortunate loss and we wish to reaffirm the high regard and respect of the people of the Philippines for the people of Taiwan.