The Captain of the boat that rammed by a Chinese Vessel apologized to President Rodrigo Duterte, explaining that he’s not aware that the Chief Executive doesn’t invite him in Malacanang.
On Wednesday, Insigne told the media that what happened between him and the government was considered as miscommunication because it was the Department of Agriculture (DA), not President Duterte, invited him to go to Manila for a meeting.
He also insisted that he backed out in meeting the government representatives on Monday because of being sick.
“Humihingi ako ng paumanhin sa ating mahal na presidente, na hindi po pala ako pinatawag niya kundi si Secretary Piñol po ang nagpatawag sa amin. Hindi po ako natuloy, umatras ako dahil masama ang pakiramdam ko,” Insigne said.
Agriculture Secretary Manny Pinol was glad that Insigne clarified the issue, saying that the previous statements of the boat captain put the President in a bad situation.
“It put the President in a bad light. Para bang inisnab niya ang presidente, eh wala namang invitation talaga,” Pinol said.
“So hindi po totoo yung balita na mayroong imbitasyon ang pangulo na makipagusap sa kanila. This was a manufactured statement. By whom? I don’t know,” he added.
On the same day, Insigne and the other 21 fishermen who are part of the F/B GEM-VER crew received help from the Department of Agriculture.
They received fiberglass boat and financial assistance to the government.
Insigne became the representative of the fishermen and even criticized the government several times because he felt that the President abandoned them already.
Meanwhile, Insigne received moral support from the opposition members and supporters.