News

Malacañang calls for probe, sanction on Chinese vessel that rammed Filipino boat

The Chinese crew members’ decision to leave the Filipino fishermen onboard a damaged ship after collision was condemned by the Philippine government.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo, in a statement, said “The act of abandonment, by those sailing the Chinese fishing vessel of twenty-two Filipino fishermen aboard their anchored and stationary watercraft hit by them is uncivilized as it is outrageous.”

“Regardless of the nature of the collision, whether it was accidental or intentional, common decency and the dictates of humanity require  the immediate saving of the crew of the downed Philippine vessel,” he added.

Panelo called on Chinese authorities to conduct an investigation on the collision between a Chinese vessel and Filipino fishing boat, the FB Gimber 1, last Sunday June 9, 2019.

“The present territorial conflict between the countries of the two colliding vessels pertaining to the area where the collision occurred, is not – and can not be an impediment for the offending vessel to lend a hand to the distressed crew,” he said.

“The Captain and the crew of the Chinese vessel should not have left the injured party without any assistance or succor. Such as of desertion is inhuman as it is barbaric. It is a crystal-clear violation of maritime protocols as well as an infringement of internationally accepted practice of assisting a vessel in distress,” he added.

Staff Report

The Filipino Times is the chronicler of stories for, of and by Filipinos all over the world, reaching more than 236 countries in readership. Any interesting story to share? Email us at [email protected]

Related Articles

Back to top button