DFA awaits probe on cyanide use in Ayungin Shoal

MANILA, April 16 ------ The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it is awaiting a formal scientific report on the alleged use of cyanide in Ayungin Shoal, as it prepares to determine appropriate “diplomatic action" over the incident.

In a statement, the DFA said the findings from technical analyses of chemicals confiscated from Chinese fisherfolk last year will serve as the basis for its next steps, stressing that the use of toxic substances in marine environments is “irresponsible and unacceptable.” The agency underscored that such acts violate obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). “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,” the DFA stated.

The statement follows a recent briefing by the National Security Council, which raised concerns over the illegal discharge of cyanide in the disputed shoal. Earlier, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) rejected China’s claim that reports of cyanide use were fabricated, maintaining that its conclusions were backed by over a year of monitoring and laboratory tests. Authorities confirmed that bottles seized from Chinese vessels near Ayungin Shoal tested positive for cyanide, a highly toxic substance harmful to marine ecosystems.

China, however, has denied the allegations, with its foreign ministry dismissing the report as lacking credibility. The DFA reiterated that “the Philippines will continue to monitor and call out any infringements on its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction across all its maritime zones.”

Source: news.abs-cbn.com