Manila, Philippines – Two bottles containing cyanide – a highly toxic chemical – were confirmed by the National Security Council (NSC) to have come from a Chinese fishing boat.
The two bottles were recovered on separate dates on February 20 and October 24, 2025.
The two chemicals were subjected to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Forensic and Scientific Research Service, and were confirmed positive with cyanide.
The National Task-Force for the West Philippine Sea shared footages of Chinese fishing vessels allegedly using these chemicals.
The Task force also revealed the damage to the reefs in the Ayungin Shoal area.
According to the NSC, the said action was deliberate, and it shows a violation of the environmental law of the Philippines, International maritime law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The NSC has tasked the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), PCG, and other agencies to intensify maritime domain awareness, patrols and appropriate measures to prevent the aforementioned attempt to destroy Manila’s environment and national security interests.
The Chinese embassy in Manila has not yet issued a statement on this.
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued a statement regarding the amendments to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Philippines and China Coast Guard.
According to the DFA, there are no secret talks between Manila and Beijing regarding the MOU, for changes to the Joint Coast Guard Committee on Maritime Cooperation signed in 2016.–Alvin Pelobello, Eurotv News