The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that Chinese fisherfolks’ alleged use of cyanide in Ayungin Shoal was “irresponsible and unacceptable” and violates states parties’ obligations under the 1982 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,” it said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the department is awaiting the formal report containing the scientific and technical analysis findings of the substances recovered from Chinese sampans in the shoal in 2025 to determine its next diplomatic move.

On Monday, the National Security Council (NSC) confirmed that the yellow bottles discovered and seized by the Philippine Navy from Chinese fishing boats contained cyanide.