CHINA isn’t just overfishing in a maritime region that sits well within the 200-nautical mile Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, says the National Security Council.
Citing laboratory test results, the NSC claimed that he content of yellow bottles dumped by the Chinese sampans operating in the immediate vicinity of the Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) in Zambales yielded positive to cyanide.
Cyanide fishing is an illegal and highly destructive method of capturing live fish by using sodium or potassium cyanide to stun them.
Primarily used by China in Southeast Asia, particularly at the West Philippine Sea and Indonesia, it supplies the global marine aquarium trade and the Asian live reef food fish market.
CONCLUSIVE FINDINGS
In a press statement, NSC said that the bottles containing cyanide were seized by the Navy from Chinese sampans in February 2025 and on October 24, 2025.
Assistant Director General and new NSC spokesman Major Gen. Cornelio Valencia Jr. said the laboratory analysis conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)’s Forensic and Scientific Research Service is in itself conclusive.
The yellow bottles seized from the sampans contain cyanide, a highly toxic chemical known to cause severe and irreversible damage to humans and marine ecosystems.
These laboratory findings remove any doubt as to the dangerous and unlawful nature of these activities, he said. It also shows China’s deliberate ill intentions and forceful attempt to grab the entire territory which forms part of the Philippines.
DELIBERATE INTENT
The deliberate use of cyanide raises serious concerns of illegal and destructive practices that threaten our Navy personnel in LS 57, the fragile marine environment of the West Philippine Sea, and the livelihood of Filipino fisherfolk.
“Such actions, if proven intentional, constitute a blatant violation of Philippine environmental laws, international maritime norms, and the obligations of states under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” he said.
“We wish to underscore that the use of cyanide in Ayungin Shoal is a form of sabotage that seeks to kill local fish populations, depriving Navy personnel of a vital food source.”
IRREPARABLE DAMAGE
Cyanide can damage the reef which can ultimately compromise LS 57’s structural foundations. If the reef is severely damaged, it not only threatens LS 57’s stability, it also allows Beijing to fabricate an environmental crisis which it can then blame on the Philippines.
It has in the past accused LS 57 of polluting the shoal in an effort to distract from its own illegal activities.
Ayungin Shoal is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, where the country exercises sovereign rights and jurisdiction. The operation of Chinese vessels engaging in activities involving hazardous substances in this area is both irresponsible and unacceptable.
HEIGHTENED SECURITY
The NSC has directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and all relevant agencies to heighten maritime domain awareness, strengthen patrols, and take all necessary measures to prevent further environmental harm and safeguard national security interests in the area.
Let it be clear: the Philippines will not tolerate any act—whether by state or non-state actors—that endangers its personnel or the marine environment, violates its sovereign rights, or undermines peace and stability in the West Philippine Sea.
The government remains resolute in defending the nation’s territory, protecting its natural resources, and upholding the rule of law.