Despite the apology, President Rodrigo Duterte wanted the Chinese crew – in the vessel that rammed a Filipino fishing boat at Recto Bank – to be sanctioned, according to Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo. He added that Duterte told Chinese President Xi Jinping about it for the “interest of closure, manifesting good faith and demonstrating China’s resort to prevent a repeat of the incident.” “I reiterate our desire for the filing or application of appropriate sanctions against the Chinese crew,” Panelo quoted Duterte saying.

Co, A. S. (2019, September 1). 'Duterte wants Chinese crew sanctions over Recto Bank collision'. Panay News, pp. 13, 10.