MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang clarified Monday that there was no meeting set between President Rodrigo Duterte and the crewmen of the Philippine fishing boat that was reportedly rammed by a Chinese vessel in Recto (Reed) Bank.
“As far as I know, wala akong narinig na request (to meet the President) at wala ring nag-imbita (sa fishermen),” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing.
Panelo issued the statement after it was reported that Duterte was set to meet in Malacañang the captain of the fishing boat that was rammed by a Chinese vessel eight days ago.
READ: Fishing boat captain backs out of meeting with Duterte
The 22 Filipino fishermen and crew were reportedly abandoned by the crewmen of the Chinese vessel after its boat sank. The Filipinos were eventually rescued by Vietnamese seafarers.
Duterte, who earlier threatened to declare war against Canada over the trash issue, has yet to address the incident in the West Philippine Sea.
READ: Duterte to Canada: Take trash back or else I’ll declare war
But Panelo claimed that the President is just waiting for the facts to come in before issuing a statement. (Editor: Julie Espinosa)