A Chinese vessel caused the sinking of a Filipino fishing boat in disputed waters, but it remains to be seen whether the “ramming” was intentional, the government said on Monday. Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, who has been designated by Malacañang as the point person in the case, said the matter was a “maritime incident, plain and simple” that was being blown “out of proportion.” Piñol’s appointment as point person came after two Cabinet clusters — Economic Development and Security, Justice and Peace (headed by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez 3rd and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, respectively) — were ordered to lead discussions about the sinking. In a statement, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi would be the co-lead in further talks to determine the liabilities involved and the most effective means to obtain justice.

Gonzales, A. L. E., Tamayo, B. E., Ayeng, R., & Villanueva, R. U. (2019, June 18). Govt echoes China line. The Manila Times, pp. A1, A2.