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PH authorities done with probe on Reed Bank incident, but Tugade mum on findings

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ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2019/news/06/23/20190617-gemver-handout-ap-19168382009689.jpg"/><figcaption>Philippine authorities are done with their investigation into the Reed Bank incident involving a Chinese ship and a Filipino boat (pictured), Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said on Saturday. Department of Agriculture via AP</figcaption></figure></div>MANILA—Philippine maritime authorities have finished their investigation into the Reed Bank incident involving a Chinese ship and a Filipino boat, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said on Saturday.Tugade said the report was submitted to the Office of the President on Thursday.But the secretary refused to reveal the findings of the investigation by the Philippine Coast Guard and the Maritime Industry Authority.“We will wait for the people to whom the report has been submitted to appreciate the report before we disclose anything,” Tugade told reporters on the sidelines of President Duterte’s meeting with Thailand business leaders in Bangkok.Tugade also declined to comment when asked whether Philippine authorities were able to get the side of Chinese fishermen involved in the incident.He made the announcement after President Rodrigo Duterte said he wants to form a joint probe with China.<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/06/22/19/palace-duterte-welcomes-joint-impartial-probe-into-reed-bank-incident">Palace: Duterte welcomes joint, ‘impartial’ probe into Reed Bank incident</a></li></ul>Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. earlier rejected the proposal of a joint probe, saying the two nations will conduct their own respective investigations.<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/06/21/19/manila-rejects-joint-probe-of-fishing-boat-sinking-with-china">Manila rejects joint probe of fishing boat sinking with China</a></li></ul>A Filipino vessel sank after it was hit by a Chinese boat in the disputed waters of Reed Bank on June 9. The Chinese left the scene and 22 Filipino fishermen were rescued by a Vietnamese boat. —Report from Vivienne Gulla, ABS-CBN News

But the DOTr secretary refused to reveal the findings of the investigation carried out by the Philippine Coast Guard and the Maritime Industry Authority.

But the DOTr secretary refused to reveal the findings of the investigation carried out by the Philippine Coast Guard and the Maritime Industry Authority.