President Rody Duterte has directed the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to provide financial assistance to the families of the eight fishermen who were massacred by armed men off the coast of Zamboanga City Jan. 10.
The President would have personally visited the families of the slain fishermen were it not for the arrival of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan today.
Tomorrow afternoon, I and Undersecretary Eduardo Gongona of the BFAR will fly to Zamboanga City to personally deliver the financial aid and extend the condolences of the President to the families of the victims.
The eight fatalities were in a group of 15 Zamboanga fishermen who were intercepted by armed men on board two speed boats near the island of Laud Siromon off the coast of Zamboanga City.
Witnesses said seven of the fishermen were able to jump into the water and swam to safety after which they were rescued by other fishermen.
The armed men then shot the other fishermen with high powered guns and peppered the fishing boat with bullets causing it to sink.
Police reports from Zamboanga City tonight said two of the suspected killers have been arrested.
During the Dinner tendered by President Duterte in honour of Prime Minister Abe, PNP Chief Ronald dela Rosa said the pursuit operations agains the killers were continuing.
(Photo shows President Duterte delivering his message during the Malacañang dinner he tendered for Prime Minister Abe. File photo of the Philippine Star shows the slain fishermen.)
More Stories
Kapehan With Pareng Gob
Mlang Pomelo Industry On PTV Channel 4 Today!
Bignay Wine, Vinegar Maker: Ito Dapat Bigyan Ng Ayuda!