Duterte wants filing of appropriate sanctions vs Chinese crew over Recto Bank boat sinking incident

August 30, 2019

President Rodrigo Duterte wants the filing of appropriate sanctions against the Chinese crew who left the Filipino fishermen after the boat sinking incident in Recto Bank on the night of June 9, his spokesman said on Friday.

In a media interview in Beijing, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that the government is also willing to assist the Filipino fishermen if they want to pursue cases against the Chinese crew members.

"I reiterate our desire for the filing or application of appropriate sanctions against the Chinese crew in the interest of achieving closure, manifesting good faith and demonstrating China’s resort to prevent a repeat of the incident," he said, quoting the President.

On August 26, the Guangdong Provincial Fishery Mutual Insurance Association sent a letter to the Philippine Embassy in Beijing asking for an apology for the June 9 "accidental collision" in behalf of the shipowner.

The Chinese ship left the area after the incident, leaving the 22 Filipino fishermen. The Filipinos were only rescued by a Vietnamese vessel, which happened to pass by in the area.

Panelo said a criminal case could be pursued by the Filipino fishermen and the government could assist them.

"If you (Filipino fishermen) are listening, we can help you claim and pursue criminal case," he said.

Panelo, also the chief presidential legal counsel, said the complaint could be reckless imprudence resulting to damage to property. Celerina Monte/DMS