By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday warned against the use of cyanide and other toxic agents at sea, saying this is “unacceptable” and a violation of international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The statement was made following the discovery of cyanide in yellow bottles from Chinese sampans near BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) in Ayungin Shoal, West Philippine Sea (WPS) last year.
“The use of cyanide and other similar toxic agents in the marine environment is irresponsible and unacceptable, and runs counter to obligations of States Parties under the 1982 UNCLOS, particularly the duty to protect and preserve the marine environment and prevent pollution at sea,” it said.
The DFA said it is waiting for the final report on the findings from the scientific and technical analysis done by relevant authorities on the chemicals confiscated from Chinese fisherfolk, which will serve as the basis for its diplomatic action on the matter.
“The Philippines will continue to monitor and call out any infringements on its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction across all its maritime zones,” it added.
The Philippine Navy had seized the bottles from Chinese fisherfolk in February 2025 and on Oct. 24, 2025.
On Tuesday, Navy spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said they have pictures not only of the cyanide but also of the other illegal fishing methods used by the Chinese that include the use of “fine mesh nets and even larger nets on the entrance of Ayungin Shoal.”
He said these nets are designed to impede or hamper Philippine rotation and resupply missions in the WPS, and that these are also responsible for damaging or destroying coral reefs in the area. (PNA)
