Taiwanese groups hold unity street party for Pinoys
Several Taiwanese non-government organizations (NGO) on Sunday held a "unity street party" for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) after Philippine-Taiwan relations soured with the May 9 shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman in disputed waters.
According to a report of John Consulta for GMA Network's "24 Oras" newscast on Monday, the groups wanted to defuse tensions between the Philippines and Taiwan.
“Let the past [be] in the past and looking forward, we move forward, we walk together,” Taiwanese Franklin Chen told Consulta.
A report of the International Business Times news site said the event, dubbed "Gently Taiwan Cares," was "an expression of gratitude by the Taiwanese for the Filipino workers' contribution to their country."
Consulta said the Taiwanese groups handed out out free meals and mobile phone load during the street party.
Still fearful
However, Consulta reported that fear still clouds the minds of some Filipinos in Taiwan, especially those who have experienced some forms of discrimination and harassment.
Father Timothy de Belen related how he was just walking with Filipino friends when a Taiwanese national suddenly burst forth and shouted at them upon learning that they were from the Philippines.
“Sinabi niya na ayaw niya kami pagbentahan ng ice cream at medyo nagalit siya dahil lumakas ang kanyang boses,” De Belen recalled.
De Belen admitted that he felt hurt but says it was an experience with a lesson: to avoid being aggressive.
Spat at, cursed
A Filipina, identified only as “Ellen,” claimed that she was spat at and cursed while on her way to work.
“May dumura, umiwas ako,” Ellen said, adding “Natakot na ako, tumakbo na ako.”
Meanwhile, the Santacruzan, an annual Catholic ritual that is popular among Filipinos, was held inside the St. Christopher Parish Church in Taipei even though it is usually done outdoors.
The decision to move the venue of the event was aimed at ensuring the safety of the Filipinos who participated in the Santacruzan.
Taiwanese police were also stationed outside the church to provide security.
Taiwan-Philippines row
The row between Taiwan and the Philippines stemmed from the alleged shooting of Taiwanese fisherman Hung Shih-cheng, who was suspected of poaching by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on May 9.
The PCG claims that the incident occurred in the Balintang Channel but Taiwan said satellite records show that the fisherman was within Taiwanese territory.
The death of the fisherman has caused public outrage in Taiwan with some Filipinos bearing the brunt of their anger.
Taiwan's president has already called out to his countrymen not to involve Filipinos who have nothing to do with the incident. - Andrei Medina, VVP, GMA News
According to a report of John Consulta for GMA Network's "24 Oras" newscast on Monday, the groups wanted to defuse tensions between the Philippines and Taiwan.
“Let the past [be] in the past and looking forward, we move forward, we walk together,” Taiwanese Franklin Chen told Consulta.
A report of the International Business Times news site said the event, dubbed "Gently Taiwan Cares," was "an expression of gratitude by the Taiwanese for the Filipino workers' contribution to their country."
Consulta said the Taiwanese groups handed out out free meals and mobile phone load during the street party.
Still fearful
However, Consulta reported that fear still clouds the minds of some Filipinos in Taiwan, especially those who have experienced some forms of discrimination and harassment.
Father Timothy de Belen related how he was just walking with Filipino friends when a Taiwanese national suddenly burst forth and shouted at them upon learning that they were from the Philippines.
“Sinabi niya na ayaw niya kami pagbentahan ng ice cream at medyo nagalit siya dahil lumakas ang kanyang boses,” De Belen recalled.
De Belen admitted that he felt hurt but says it was an experience with a lesson: to avoid being aggressive.
Spat at, cursed
A Filipina, identified only as “Ellen,” claimed that she was spat at and cursed while on her way to work.
“May dumura, umiwas ako,” Ellen said, adding “Natakot na ako, tumakbo na ako.”
Ellen relayed the incident to their church’s priest, who in turn reported it to the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), the Philippines’ consular office in Taiwan.
Father Nilo Mantilla of St. Christopher's Church in Taipei said even he fears the situation in Taiwan.
“Kami dito tensyonado talaga, may mga gabi talagang feeling ko 'di ako makatulog kasi ang daming tawag,” he said in an interview aired on “Balitanghali.”
Meanwhile, the Santacruzan, an annual Catholic ritual that is popular among Filipinos, was held inside the St. Christopher Parish Church in Taipei even though it is usually done outdoors.
The decision to move the venue of the event was aimed at ensuring the safety of the Filipinos who participated in the Santacruzan.
Taiwanese police were also stationed outside the church to provide security.
Taiwan-Philippines row
The row between Taiwan and the Philippines stemmed from the alleged shooting of Taiwanese fisherman Hung Shih-cheng, who was suspected of poaching by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on May 9.
The PCG claims that the incident occurred in the Balintang Channel but Taiwan said satellite records show that the fisherman was within Taiwanese territory.
After saying that the initial apology of the Philippines for the incident was insincere, the Taiwanese government issued an order freezing the hiring of new Filipino workers.
Taiwan demanded for an apology from the Philippine government, compensation for the family of the slain fisherman, impartial investigation on the incident, and bilateral talks between Taiwan and the Philippines to avoid similar incidents.
Taiwan also recalled its envoy to Manila in protest of the killing.
The death of the fisherman has caused public outrage in Taiwan with some Filipinos bearing the brunt of their anger.
Taiwan's president has already called out to his countrymen not to involve Filipinos who have nothing to do with the incident. - Andrei Medina, VVP, GMA News
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