MANILA, Philippines — Using cyanide in Ayungin Shoal is “irresponsible and unacceptable,” the Division of International Affairs (DFA) mentioned on Wednesday.
This got here after the Nationwide Safety Council just lately reported that authorities had confiscated chemical substances similar to cyanide from Chinese language fisherfolk in Ayungin Shoal in 2025.
“Using cyanide and different related poisonous brokers within the marine setting is irresponsible and unacceptable, and runs counter to obligations of States Events beneath the 1982 UNCLOS, notably the responsibility to guard and protect the marine setting and stop air pollution at sea,” the DFA mentioned in a press release.
READ: Sailors cite repeated cyanide fishing in Ayungin, China declare rejected
Cyanide is a substance that causes hurt to marine life and will harm the reef.
The DFA mentioned it’ll decide the “acceptable diplomatic motion” upon receiving the formal report of the authorities concerning the matter.
“The Philippines will proceed to watch and name out any infringements on its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction throughout all its maritime zones,” the DFA vowed.
READ: West Philippine Sea: China dumping cyanide in Spratlys, PH says
Also referred to as the Second Thomas Shoal, the Ayungin Shoal is a submerged reef 105 nautical miles west of Palawan.
It’s among the many areas within the South China Sea which have lengthy been the topic of territorial dispute between China and the Philippines.
Presently, a Manila warship is grounded above the reef to bolster the maritime declare awarded to the Philippines in 2016. /mcm
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