why assume right away?

Hi jazel The media is known to make things controversial. And it seems that is what they are upto. However, the government must have some control over the media - I know the free press thing and blah blah, but then there are things which need to be kept under covers and away from the common people in the interest of the Nation or even the Society, but these days most of the governments dont have any strict rules for the media

I also watched the news yesterday. I only noticed that the survivors are not sure about the sip that wrecked their fishing boat. Furthermore, just because the issue of the shoal between Chinese and Philippines, it is nt right to tell that it was already the Chinese ship that rammed by their boat.

Well I guess the fishermen themselves were quite unsure about the first time they reported it to the authorities. I do not think that it came from the authorities but the media broke the news and it spread like wildfire. Now, the fishermen retracted what they said earlier and they said they were not sure about it anymore. It seems like China is not bothering or is intimidated with this and denied they had any ship that traveled where the fishermen were fishing on that day. Oh well I guess China would know how to deal with this situation if they are not guilty then they do not have to react about this at all.

Ignorance that's why. Few reasons: 1. Everyone knows about the on going conflict between our country and China. 2. China is one of the countries closest to the Philippines. 3. Media tends to exaggerate. 4. And the most funny part is, once we saw symbols on flags or in any print that looked like Chinese characters, we instantly assume they are Chinese.

Hello Jazel_juan, that's what the media wants to sensationalize things. I for one didn't want to react quickly on this issue because it's not gonna do me any good at all. rather I just pray that this tension will cease. it's the previous administrations fault, they didn't know about the statistics of our resources before until the scientific studies were handled over to them. it's sad this is happening to us, i hope the fishermen are found.

Due to the growing rift between our country and China, it will always easier to assume that to give proof. This is even true in correct legal proceedings. Hang the proof. It is always easier to say that actually prove it. The people involved in this affair reserve their right to express what they though happened but they are also responsible for what will result from their declaration (something that most people do not do anyway). Remember that this is a volatile international dispute and any accusation can be a spark to a an already tense situation. It is very easy to assume because nobody wants proof. Just say something and it will treated as the Gospel. All you needs is a sympathetic public and a little convincing act. And the majority doesn’t care if you anything to support your claim. Like the old saying goes, the bark is often superior to the bite. Same is true to this situation. Oh, I forgot news about disputes always sell. I 'm not surprised that the media covered and broadcasted the story as soon as they are able.

Some people are looking for a fight and a conflict. Even if there is not any. I could have Chinese characters painted on something and that would not make me Chinese. I think what your brother says is correct.

The news said that there is only a possibility and they are still investigating the issue. I do agree that they should have keep it confidential or else the Chinese might be get angry with us. I mean the still play an important role in our society. Like importing and exporting of each products and work opportunities. I do hope that both countries get along. I thought both sides made up already, like i saw this interview, PNOY spoke some mandarin speech and the secretary of the ministry of china spoke tagalog speech and after that this issue come along

I agree with you. we need not to assume that fast because any thing we say will just worsen the situation between Philippines and China. let us put in mind that the government is trying their best to fix the gap between the two country as peacefully as they could.

You're right! We shouldn't assume right away especially if there is not enough evidence or proof. It can only lead to even bigger conflict so it's best to avoid starting such issues in the first place. They were not sure if those were really from China and so they shouldn't make such assumptions which can lead to accusations.

The Philippine Coast Guard said that it might be a Hong Kong bound ship that rammed the Filipino Fisherman. The Filipino fisherman said that there is poor visibility in the area that is why they could have been rammed by the ship. The only marks on the ship that made them believe that it is a chinese ship are the chinese styled letters. But then again, those kind of letters are also similar to Taiwanese, Japanese and Korean spelling. So it could be a wide guessing game. I still think that China is bullying the Philippines since they outright denied the allegations when they should investigate first. Remember this is the same area in Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal where there is a lot of ship escalations here. I am sure the United States of America would come to defend the Philippines because we have a Mutual Defense Treaty with them which means that they come to protect us if we are attacked. Right now we have purchased Korean made T-50s fighter trainer planes. We would also be getting the 2nd Coast Guard cutter frigate from the US. We are also being help to install our radar facility in Palawan so we can monitor what is happening in the Spratlys. Japan and Korea are also helping us upgrade our military defense capabilities.