Filipino overseas workers in Taiwan were advised by Philippine authorities on Friday to avoid public places, following reports of a Filipino who was physically attacked by a youth gang over the death of one Taiwanese fisherman last week.

Speaking on a radio station in Manila, Philippine de facto ambassador to Taiwan Amadeo Perez said that the simmering tensions on the island have caused some hostilities toward Filipino expatriates.

"They smashed his arm with a (baseball) bat. He was taken to hospital, and the case is under police investigation," Mr Perez recounted of the Filipino victim's experience.

"People are emotional, and tensions are running high. You (Filipino workers) should stay at home and eat indoors before and after work," he added.

In the absence of diplomatic ties, Mr Perez handles the trade and other bilateral relations with Taiwan as the chairman of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office. Like most countries, the Philippines officially recognises China over Taiwan.

The diplomatic row between the Philippines and Taiwan was sparked by the shooting of one Taiwanese fisherman by a Philippine government boat on May 9.

Earlier in the week, Mr Perez was sent to Taiwan by Philippine President Benigno Aquino to extend the Filipino leader's personal apology over the incident.

But even Mr. Aquino's apology could not pacify the tension as Taiwan president Jiang Yi-Huah declined the apology, describing it as unacceptable and "insincere." He then imposed sanctions and ordered the suspension of work applications by Filipino workers and recalled Taiwan's envoy in Manila.

On Wednesday, he announced additional sanctions including a travel alert against the Philippines and the conduct of military drills in the South China Sea.

According to Philippine records, there are presently more than 85,000 Filipino workers in Taiwan.

An investigation on the firing incident is now ongoing according to the Philippine justice department. Evidence are now being gathered and examined by authorities.