Philippines recommends homicide charges in Taiwan death

Rojas said the PCG tried to cover up the fact that they fired more than a hundred rounds of ammunition at the fleeing Taiwan vessel, and reported only 72 rounds of used ammo.

The NBI ruled out murder, with Rojas saying that there was no treachery because the use of firearms was not sudden or unexpected. He said the attack only occurred after "repeated warning shots and reasonable number of continuous announcement made in the PA system and blowing of horn," thus establishing sufficient warning to the Taiwan's fishermen.

In a separate briefing, PCG Commandant Rodolfo Isorena said he respects the result of the NBI investigation.

"I said from the very start that our men will face whatever are the consequences of their actions," Isorena said.

He added the PCG conducted its own investigation into the incident but declined to release their findings.

The Taiwan's economic and cultural office (TECO) in Manila welcomed the NBI findings. But the TECO insisted that President Benigno S. Aquino III should issue a personal apology to the victim's family, according to a local news site.

"We recognize your response is positive. And one more step, once President Aquino's special envoy visits Taiwan and expresses your apology to the victim's family, we believe we will lift the sanctions," Andrew Lin, TECO's Political Director, said in a text message sent to www.gmanews.tv.

The Philippine government apologized through the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, but Taiwan rejected it, demanding that the apology must come from the Philippine government.

The Philippine government's refusal to heed Taiwan's demand pushed Taiwan officials to slap sanctions against Manila, including a freeze on hiring of new workers to the island and a travel ban.

There are about 87,000 Filipino workers in Taiwan.