Taipei has issued an ultimatum.

Philippines must issue an apology for the shooting incident that claimed the life of one Taiwanese fisherman last week or else work applications of Filipino overseas contract workers will be suspended by the Taiwanese government.

According to Taiwan President Ma-Ying Jeou, who issued the apparent threat on May 11 as contained in the website of the presidential office, aside from freezing work applications Taiwan will also pull out its diplomatic representative in the Philippines should the apology be withheld.

The Taiwanese president apparently has four "solemn requests" including "compensation, investigation and punishment of perpetrators, and the commencement of talks over fishing rights."

As earlier reported, a Taiwanese fishing vessel boarded by four crewmen was said to be fired on last May 9 by a Philippine government boat in waters north of the Philippines. Based on investigation, the Taiwanese vessel was hit at least 32 times as it navigated 304 kilometers southeast of Taiwan's southern part.

Taiwan had dispatched four water vessels from its coast guard and navy to fortify patrolling of its waters near the Philippines after the death of one Taiwanese fisherman sparked public outrage.

The stern warning of the Taiwanese government comes at a time of heightened tension in the region due to overlapping claims over territorial waters in East Asia. Also, it does not bode well for Filipino overseas workers who account for ten percent of Taiwan's gross domestic product and is considered third biggest foreign group in Taiwan.

The ultimatum commenced May 12 and the Philippines is given only 72 hours to issue the apology.

Meanwhile, the Office of the President of the Philippines through its spokesperson Abigail Valte said that the commander and crew of the Philippine vessel involved in the incident have all been relieved of duty.

"We express our heartfelt sorrow on the unfortunate situation that occurred during one of the anti-illegal fishing patrols conducted by a Philippine fishery law enforcement vessel," she said.

On May 10, China has joined the fray by issuing a statement saying that it is "deeply concerned about the Philippines' repeated shooting at unarmed fishermen." China, which considers the autonomously-governed Taiwan as part of its turf, is also laying claims to waters near Philippine territories.

The Philippines has already elevated its maritime dispute with China to the United Nations in January. The country is just awaiting the decision of the five-man arbitral tribunal on whether it has jurisdiction over case. The decision is said to come out in July.