The Philippines denies Taiwan's accusation of shooting someone dead.

On May 18, the Philippines denied Taiwan's accusation that its coast guard had deliberately killed fishermen.

The 65-year-old fisherman was shot dead by the Philippine coast guard because, according to them, his boat had entered Philippine waters.

Chen Wen-chi, head of Taiwan's investigation team into the May 9 incident, said most of the bullets hit the bridge of the fishing vessel, where the fishermen were taking refuge.

"The evidence clearly shows that Philippine law enforcement deliberately fired on the fishing crew of the Guang Ta Hsin 28," Ms. Chen said at a press conference in Manila.

Chen Wen-chi, head of Taiwan's investigation team, presents the report (AFP photo).

Justice Minister Leila de Lima and Ricky Carandang, spokesman for President Benigno Aquino, have denied the murder allegations.

"The investigation is still ongoing, so it's best to avoid making any premature statements that might confuse the issues and stir up unrest," Carandang spokesperson told AFP.

Justice Secretary De Lima, in a separate statement, also urged people to avoid making statements that "add fuel to the fire or exacerbate the current tensions between the Philippines and Taiwan."

Taiwanese leader Ma Ying-jeou spoke in Taipei yesterday (May 17) and said: "If Philippine law enforcement officers used weapons to fire on an unarmed and unprovoked fishing vessel, then this is not performing their duty. This is cold-blooded murder."

Philippine President Aquino issued a "personal" apology on Wednesday for the "unintentional" death of a Philippine coast guard officer while on duty combating illegal fishing.

Manila asserts that its forces fired in self-defense to disable the vessel's engine and prevent it from ramming the patrol boat.

Taiwan has rejected the apology. Taiwan has recalled its de facto envoy, implemented a ban on hiring Filipino workers, and held military exercises in the waters off the northern Philippines earlier this week.

Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay on Saturday called on Taiwan to ensure the safety of Filipino workers amid anger from Taiwanese people.

"We heard and we read in the press that Filipino workers were beaten and four were hospitalized," Vice President Binay told reporters.

"We call on the people of Taiwan to forgive Filipino laborers for their involvement in conflicts," he added.

Taiwanese media reported that a Filipino man was hospitalized after being attacked by a group of young men.

"We also saw news that Taiwanese leaders would guarantee the safety of our workers there. We hope they act as reported," said Aquino spokesperson Abigail Valte.

Nearly 10 million Filipinos live or work abroad, sending tens of billions of dollars back home each year, helping to revive the Philippine economy.

According to VOV - DT