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May 12, 2013

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Body of shot fisherman brought home

THE body of a Taiwanese fisherman killed in a shooting incident by Philippine coast guard at sea, was brought back to Taiwan early yesterday morning.

The body was taken home in the fishing vessel "Guang Ta Hsin 28," which was fired upon by Philippine coast guard on Thursday morning, 160 nautical miles southeast of the southernmost tip of the island of Taiwan.

The 65-year-old victim, Hung Shih-cheng, was one of four crew members onboard. The rest of the crew were uninjured.

The vessel arrived at a Pingtung County fishing port at around 3:15am. It was towed back, as its oil tank had been damaged in the shooting incident.

Hung's family were waiting at the harbor of Little Liuqiu, a coral isle accessible from the Pingtung coast by ferry.

When his body was moved from the cabin onto the deck, distraught family members wept. Hung's wife almost collapsed and had to be helped away from the deck.

Hung had decided to retire, and had spent about 8 million New Taiwan dollars (US$270,000) on a new boat to pass on to this son, said a neighbor surnamed Chen who was helping Hung's family.

"This was only the new ship's second voyage. What a tragedy," said Chen.

At least 10 bullet holes were visible on the vessel. One bullet penetrated the victim's neck, said local investigators who boarded the vessel once it docked.

The Philippine coast guard Friday admitted killing the fisherman but said its personnel opened fire in self-defense.

"It's impossible that our ship would attempt to challenge the Philippine coast guard vessel. Just look at the size of our boat," said Hung Feng-huei, the victim's niece.

Local fishermen said they have long suffered harassment from Philippine duty vessels.

According to Hung's neighbors, local fishing boats are occasionally detained and ransom demanded.

The family criticized the Taiwan coast guard's response.

When Hung's son, who was also on board the vessel, called for help, his father was badly injured but still alive.

The Taiwan coast guard failed to send a helicopter to take him to hospital, said Huang Shen-jia, Hung's grandson.

Hung died when a rescue vessel arrived two hours later, he said.

Hung's body will undergo an autopsy, local investigators said.

Taiwan's leader, Ma Ying-jeou, on Friday condemned the Philippines over the shooting and demanded an apology from the Philippine government, the arrest of those responsible and compensation for Hung's family.


 

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