West Philippine Sea – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported that its Western Command intercepted and drove away Chinese fishing boats allegedly engaged in illegal fishing near Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea last week. The incident underscores the ongoing concerns about environmental damage caused by illegal fishing practices in the disputed waters.
AFP spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad stated that the incident occurred on October 24 near Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, where Philippine forces maintain a presence through the grounded warship BRP Sierra Madre.
During the interception, AFP personnel discovered and confiscated bottles of suspected cyanide chemicals aboard the Chinese fishing vessels. Cyanide is a highly toxic substance commonly used in illegal fishing practices. Its use can devastate coral reefs and marine ecosystems by poisoning fish and causing coral bleaching, leading to long-term environmental damage.
The AFP “promptly escorted the unauthorized fishing boats out of the area.” The incident highlights the continued challenges in protecting the fragile marine environment of the West Philippine Sea from destructive fishing practices. Environmental groups have long warned about the detrimental effects of illegal fishing on the region’s biodiversity and the livelihoods of Filipino fishermen who depend on healthy marine resources. The confiscation of cyanide further emphasizes the urgent need for increased monitoring and enforcement efforts to combat illegal fishing and protect the West Philippine Sea’s marine environment.
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