NSC Confirms Cyanide Seizure from Chinese Vessels Near Ayungin Shoal

Article by F. Palafox

Published on April 15, 2026 11:19PM

During a press conference on 13 April 2026, the National Security Council (NSC) confirmed the detection of cyanide in yellow bottles recovered from Chinese sampans operating in proximity to BRP Sierra Madre (LS 57) at Ayungin Shoal. The hazardous substances were seized by the Philippine Navy during two (2) separate interdiction operations conducted in February 2025 and on 24 October 2025, following the interception of the vessels within the immediate vicinity of the Philippine outpost.

Cyanide exposes severe risks to the West Philippine Sea's (WPS) coral reefs, Philippine troops' health, and local fisherfolk's livelihoods by killing fish stocks. ¹ ⁶ This violates international law, including United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) obligations to protect marine environments , but also threatens the outpost's stability, as damaged reefs could undermine the grounded WWII-era ship's structure. ² ³ ⁵ ⁹

NSC warned that reef destruction might enable China to stage an "environmental crisis" and blame the Philippines, mirroring past accusations against BRP Sierra Madre to deflect from its activities. ¹ ⁶ The Armed Forces debunked China's claims of a fabricated "cyanide stunt," affirming over a year's scientific testing confirmed the findings amid visible reef damage. ² ⁵ The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) labeled the act "irresponsible and unacceptable," eyeing diplomatic responses while upholding sovereignty. ³

_______________________________________________ Notes:

¹ Chinese boats used cyanide near outpost | The Straits Times https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/philippines-says-chinese-boats-use-of-cyanide-threatens-outpost-in-disputed-waters

² NSC: Cyanide found in bottles seized from Chinese boats at Ayungin https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/04/13/2520712/nsc-cyanide-found-bottles-seized-chinese-boats-ayungin

³ 'Irresponsible, unacceptable': DFA flags cyanide use in Ayungin Shoal, eyes diplomatic action - Manila Bulletin https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/15/irresponsible-unacceptable-dfa-flags-cyanide-use-in-ayungin-shoal-eyes-diplomatic-action

⁴ Philippines says China boats dumping cyanide near Ayungin https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/04/14/2520825/philippines-says-china-boats-dumping-cyanide-near-ayungin

⁵ Cyanide incident in WPS: no damage to BRP Sierra Madre - Navy https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/716899/cyanide-incident-in-wps-navy-says-no-damage-so-far-to-brp-sierra-madre

⁶ Philippines accuses Chinese fishermen of dumping cyanide in South China Sea - BBC https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgk331k44yo