PH authorities confirm cyanide in bottles seized from Chinese boats near Ayungin Shoal

MANILA, April 14 ------ Philippine authorities confirmed that bottles recovered from Chinese fishing boats operating near Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea contained cyanide, raising alarm over environmental damage, maritime security, and risks to Filipino troops stationed in the area.

Officials from the National Security Council (NSC), Philippine Navy, and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) presented the findings at a press conference, citing more than a year of monitoring and laboratory analysis. NSC Assistant Director General Cornelio Valencia Jr. said the NBI confirmed the presence of cyanide which the Chinese were using near the BRP Sierra Madre. “Laboratory analysis conducted by the NBI’s Forensic and Scientific Research Service has conclusively established that the yellow bottles seized from the sampans contained cyanide, a highly toxic chemical known to cause severe and irreversible damage to humans and marine ecosystems,” Valencia told reporters in Manila.

The bottles were recovered in separate incidents in February and October 2025. “These laboratory findings remove any doubt as to the dangerous and unlawful nature of these activities. The deliberate use of cyanide raises serious concerns of the illegal and destructive practices, and threatens our Navy personnel in LS-57, the fragile marine environment of the West Philippine Sea, and the livelihood of the Filipino fisherfolk,” the official added.

Valencia added that such actions violate both domestic and international laws. “Such actions, if proven intentional, constitute a blatant violation of Philippine environmental laws, as well as international maritime norms and obligations of states under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS,” he said.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com