MANILA, Philippines – The eight personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) who were involved in the shooting and death of a Taiwanese fisherman in Balintang Channel were convicted ‘guilty of homicide’ by a court in Manila.
According to the ruling of Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 15, the involved PCG personnel will face eight up to 14 years in prison for killing Taiwanese fisherman Hong Shi Cheng in the incident that happened in May 2013.
The accused include Cdr. Arnold Dela Cruz; SN2 Nicky Aurelio; SN1 Edrando Aguila; SN1 Mhelvyn Bendo II; SN1 Andy Gibb Golfo; SN1 Sunny Masangkay; SN1 Henry Solomon; and PO2 Richard Corpuz.
Likewise, the Court demanded that the defendants pay P100,000 in damages to the victim’s family.
The accused maintained that the shooting was unintentional when the Taiwanese vessel being paddled by Hong and his company trespassed into the Philippine waters.
The Coast Guard personnel argued that the Taiwanese vessel even engaged in a chase and rammed their patrol vessel which compelled the Philippine authorities to open fire.
The defendants’ legal counsel, Atty. Rod Moreno clarified, meanwhile, that the decision is not yet final and their camp vowed to appeal the case. – MNP (with reports from Roderic Mendoza)
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