The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported that its Western Command intercepted and escorted away several Chinese fishing vessels allegedly engaged in illegal fishing near Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
In a statement issued Sunday evening, the AFP said the “unauthorized” Chinese boats were spotted near the shoal on October 24.
Troops also seized bottles containing what appeared to be cyanide, believed to be used for destructive fishing practices.
“In adherence to established protocols, AFP personnel promptly escorted the unauthorized fishing boats out of the area and confiscated bottles containing suspected cyanide chemicals reportedly used for destructive fishing,” the AFP said.
“The swift and measured action prevented further harm to coral reefs and marine life, underscoring the AFP’s commitment to protecting the ecological integrity of the West Philippine Sea for future generations,” it added.
According to the AFP, the Philippine military’s continuous presence and patrols in the WPS are lawful.
These efforts ensure the safety of Filipino personnel, uphold territorial integrity, and advance the protection and preservation of the marine environment within the country’s maritime domain, the AFP added.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila has yet to issue a statement as of the time of posting.
Ayungin Shoal is a submerged reef in the Spratly Islands. The shoal is located 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and is within the Philippines’ 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The Philippines’ BRP Sierra Madre has been grounded in Ayungin Shoal since 1999.
The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago, including the Luzon Sea and the waters around, within, and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc.
