Captain Laments Duterte’s Remarks On Reed Bank Collision
CAPTAIN – The captain of the Filipino fishing boat was dismayed over President Rodrigo Duterte’s remarks on the collision at the Reed Bank.
A fishing boat owned was anchored in the Reed Bank in the West Philippine Sea, the water that’s claimed by both the Philippines and China.
Chinese ship allegedly rammed the Filipino boat causing it to sink. The captain of the Filipino boat said the Chinese turned their signal lights off and sailed away.
Captain of Gem-Ver1 Jonnel Insigne said the Chinese abandoned him and his 21 crew members in their damaged boat. The Pinoys have been floating in the Reed Bank for two hours fortunately, Vietnamese fishermen saw and rescued them.
President Duterte chose to stay silent days after the incident. He said wanted to make sure that the collision was thoroughly investigated during his speech at the Philippine Navy 121st anniversary celebration on June 17.
Duterte said the incident at the West Philippine Sea was just “a little maritime accident.” He said he would not start a war against China because of the accident.
“What happened in the collision is a maritime incident. Do not believe the dumb politicians who want to send the Philippine Navy. You do not send gray ships there. That is only a collision of ships,” he said.
Based on a report from ABS-CBN, Jonnel Insigne was disappointed after hearing the statements of the president.
“Nalulungkot po ako dahil kasi parang balewala lang po ‘yung pagbangga sa amin, paano po kung maraming namatay sa amin?” he said.
According to the report, the captain of the Filipino boat expected the president to defend against the Chinese who rammed their vessel. He also hopes that he would ask the Chinese fishermen to leave.
“Iyung gusto ko pong marinig sa kanya (Duterte), iyung talagang mapanagot talaga po iyung kapitan po [ng Chinese na barko]. Iyung mga Chinese fishing doon, sana mapaalis doon kasi baka sa sunod na taon po, baka mangyari ulit ‘to,” said Insigne.
Based on the report, Jonnel Insigne said they will returning to Reed Bank after their fishing boat is fixed.
“D’yan lang po kami kumukuha ng aming ipapakain sa pamilya po,” he said.
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