Better late than never

Taiwan media reported on Tuesday night that the Philippines has partially accepted Taiwan's request lodged after the killing of a Taiwan fisherman by the Philippine Coast Guard on Thursday. It seems Manila has finally come to terms with the severity of the incident.

Still, Manila needs to match words with deeds. The belated move itself is no guarantee that Manila would act in a more reasonable and responsible manner.

Details revealed by Taiwan authorities show the local fishing vessel was hit by more than 50 bullets from the Filipino coast guard vessel in waters where Taiwan and the Philippines have overlapping jurisdiction. Fisherman Hung Shih-cheng, 65, was killed. The Philippine Coast Guard admitted its personnel killed the fisherman on Friday.