NSC orders BFAR to speed up probe on alleged cyanide fishing

The National Security Council (NSC) has ordered the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to expedite its report on alleged cyanide fishing by foreign vessels in the South China Sea.

BFAR Spokesperson Nazario Briguera disclosed that the agency received reports that Chinese fishermen have been using cyanide to destroy Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, and that Vietnamese fishermen were also reportedly using it.

According to Briguera, Filipino fishers reported that Chinese fishers intentionally destroy the shoal to prevent Filipino boats from fishing there.

Solicitor General Menardo I. Guevarra stressed the need for careful factual verification of these allegations, noting that the oceans are interconnected and damage in one area could affect others.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila has denied the allegations, labeling them as disinformation.

The Philippine Coast Guard stated they could not verify the claims due to a lack of scientific study or evidence.