The Philippine and Chinese governments should conduct a joint inquiry over the sinking of a Filipino fishing vessel in Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea, said Department of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra yesterday.
“I’m hoping this could be done jointly with the Chinese side para whatever facts will be established will be mutually acceptable,” Guevarra said.
Guevarra disclosed he proposed the joint inquiry during a recent Cabinet cluster meeting in Malacanang regarding the incident.
The Justice Secretary expressed concerns that the findings based on the inquiry conducted by Philippine authorities won’t be accepted by China.
“Baka mamaya yung findings hindi acceptable to the other side. They might have a different version. Kaya nga suggetion ko might as well do it jointly,” said Guevarra.
Guevarra believes a neutral third party could join should there still be disagreements in the joint inquiry.
He said he will leave it up to the Department of Foreign Affairs “to bring up to the attention of the Chinese side if they would prefer to conduct a joint inquiry with the Philippine side.”
“We cannot insist kung ayaw nila ng joint inquiry. Then we will do our own,” the Justice Secretary said.
Guevarra has assured that the Department of Justice is ready take “any possible legal action” against those responsible in the sinking of the Filipino fishing vessel and abandoning its 22 crew.
At the moment, Philippine authorities, including the Philippine Coast Guard and the Maritime Industry Authority, are probing the incident. (Jeffrey Damicog)