DFA awaits report on seized cyanide from Chinese vessels in Ayungin Shoal

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Wednesday it is awaiting the formal report on the chemical analysis of substances allegedly recovered from Chinese vessels in Ayungin Shoal last year, which will serve as basis for possible diplomatic action.

“The DFA is now awaiting the formal report of the findings from the scientific and technical analysis conducted by relevant authorities on the chemicals confiscated from Chinese fisherfolk in Ayungin Shoal last year,” it said in a statement.

“The formal report will serve as the basis for the DFA to evaluate and determine the appropriate diplomatic action to take on this matter,” it added.

The DFA issued the statement after the National Security Council (NSC) reported that the Philippine Navy recovered bottles containing cyanide on February 20 and October 24, 2024, from Chinese boats operating near the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

The bottles were tested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Forensic and Scientific Research Service.

“The NSC officially announces that laboratory tests have confirmed that the yellow bottles recovered by the Philippine Navy from Chinese sampans operating around BRP Sierra Madre were found to contain cyanide,” NSC spokesperson Cornelio Valencia Jr. said.

The DFA said cyanide is harmful to marine ecosystems, calling its use “irresponsible and unacceptable.”

“The use of cyanide and other similar toxic agents in the marine environment is irresponsible and unacceptable, and runs counter to the 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.

It added that Philippine authorities will continue to monitor and report any violations of sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in its maritime zones.

Two Philippine Navy personnel earlier recounted how they intercepted Chinese fishing boats near Ayungin Shoal, leading to the recovery of bottles allegedly containing cyanide.

Their identities were withheld for security reasons, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

One of them said they were ensuring the safety of their vessel and crew when the Chinese fishermen attempted to move away, prompting suspicion that led to the discovery of the bottles.

The fishermen reportedly did not respond when approached and instead tried to leave the area.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said cyanide is a highly toxic chemical compound composed of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen that poses serious risks to human health and marine ecosystems.

At sea, cyanide is often used in destructive fishing practices, where it is dissolved in seawater and sprayed on coral reefs to stun fish for easier capture. However, the method causes long-term damage to marine habitats.—MCG, GMA News