Palace Accept the Apology of Chinese Shipowner In Recto Bank Mishap
PALACE – Malacañang Palace accepted the apology of the owner of the Chinese vessel for Recto Bank collision on Wednesday.
Following a previous article, the owner of the Chinese vessel that allegedly rammed the Filipino fishers sent a letter of apology to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The apology came more than 2 months since the incident.
The letter was sent the same day President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is set to leave the Philippines for China and meet President Xi Jinping. Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. signed the bottom part of the letter and put a word “Noted.”
Based on a report from Inquirer, Malacañang Palace spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Duterte admin accepted the apology of the owner of the Chinese trawler who ‘accidentally’ hit the Filipino fishing boat on June 9 at Recto Bank.
“In relation to this, we accept the recent apology extended by the owner of the Chinese vessel to our fishermen affected by the incident,” he said.
According to the report, Panelo welcomed the “humility” of the Chinese shipowner to take responsibility for the damages. They said in the letter that they will offer compensation from China.
“We likewise welcome the owner’s humility to take responsibility and acknowledgment that compensation must be provided to cover the actual loss,” he added.
Based on the report, the letter of apology of the Chinese vessel owner was moved by a certain “association” and relayed to the DFA. However, the names of the Chinese were not disclosed.
Malacañang accepted the apology of the owner of the Chinese vessel involved in the June 10 allision with a Filipino fishing boat near the Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea. | @DJEsguerraINQ https://t.co/IFM5hUUwy9
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 28, 2019
The statement from Malacañang elicited mixed reactions from the netizens. Here are some of their comments on the post:
@BogsDeng: “Bilis tinangap! Wala pa yata yun apology. Accept na agad”
@majicsarap: “Meron ba talaga? Mukang pa show lang to para hindi ma bring up ang incident kay Xi”
@Berserker_claws: “Apology…fine. Where’s accountability?”
What can you say about this article? Leave your comment and reactions below.