Filipinas accused China of releasing cyanide into waters close to Atol Second Thomas, known locally as Ayungin Shoal, in Ilhas Spratly, in Mar of China Meridional. Conselho of Segurança Nacional Filipino detailed that Chinese vessels have carried out deliberate dumping of the toxic substance since last year, focusing on the area around BRP Sierra Madre, a ship stranded since 1999 that serves as a Philippine outpost.
Philippine authorities say the practice aims to reduce fish populations and affect essential marine resources. Testes laboratories confirmed the presence of cyanide in vials seized from small Chinese vessels.
- Seizures occurred in February and October 2025
- Ten vials were recovered in separate operations
- Philippine soldiers reported direct observations of evictions
The Philippine Marinha spokesperson, Roy Vincent Trinidad, presented evidence of the actions documented over the past year.
Formal accusation raises diplomatic tension in the region
Filipinas formalized the complaint on May 13 and sent a request for explanations to China about the incidents. The deputy director of Conselho of Segurança Nacional, Cornelio Valencia, condemned the release of cyanide as a form of sabotage that compromises marine life and local food security. Até At the moment, there has been no official response from Pequim to the requests submitted by Manila.
The Chinese embassy at Filipinas was contacted by international agencies, but did not issue a statement on the allegations. Seizures of toxic substances occurred on different occasions, with evidence of coordination between larger and support vessels. Testes in seawater in the area confirmed the contamination, reinforcing observations reported by Philippine military personnel stationed at the site.
Environmental impact threatens reefs and marine biodiversity
Cyanide is a potent toxin that, even in low concentrations, causes mortality in fish, corals and other aquatic organisms. The continuous release in the Ilhas Spratly region compromises one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, where reefs serve as natural nurseries for several species. The destruction of these habitats reduces the recovery capacity of fish populations and directly affects fishing communities that depend on the activity for subsistence.
In addition to damage to corals, contamination can compromise the structural integrity of BRP Sierra Madre over time. Militares Filipinos in the outpost maintain constant contact with seawater and use local marine resources for food. Autoridades philippines highlight that the practice poses an additional risk to the health of troops, with the possibility of skin irritation, respiratory problems and neurological effects in cases of prolonged exposure or ingestion of contaminated fish.
Evidence collected reinforces accusations against Chinese vessels
The Philippine Marinha systematically documented suspicious activity around Ayungin Shoal. Testemunhos of soldiers indicate that crews of similar vessels released the poison near reefs in the month before the information was released. The small vessels operate as support for larger fishing boats, according to official reports, facilitating the coordinated dispersion of the substance.
Analysis carried out by the forensic service of National Bureau of Investigation confirmed that the contents of the seized yellow bottles were cyanide. The seizure operations took place on specific dates throughout 2025, demonstrating the recurrence of actions in the disputed area. Essas evidence is used to support the Philippine position that this is a deliberate act and not an incidental fishing activity.
Risks to human health and military operability
Direct contact with water contaminated by cyanide can cause skin and eye irritation and breathing difficulties in acute exposure. Consumption of marine species exposed to the toxin poses an additional threat, with the potential for long-term neurological damage. Autoridades Philippines expresses specific concern for the military personnel aboard BRP Sierra Madre, who are partially dependent on local resources and face constant exposure in the maritime environment.
The situation adds complexity to the outpost’s maintenance operations. The presence of the stranded ship since 1999 symbolizes the Philippine claim to sovereignty in the exclusive economic zone, but it now faces an environmental threat that could affect both the structure and well-being of the garrison. As Filipinas continue to monitor the area to document new incidents and protect national interests.
Territorial dispute on Mar from China Meridional remains unresolved
The Ilhas Spratly region is one of the most contested maritime areas globally, with overlapping claims involving multiple countries. China maintains an assertive position in the area, while Filipinas bases its actions on international decisions on maritime limits. The silence in the face of requests for clarification on cyanide contributes to the increase in diplomatic tensions observed in recent months.
Filipinas continues to record and report activities in the area, with an emphasis on environmental preservation and the safety of its citizens. The absence of formal dialogue on the specific topic of evictions keeps the focus on the evidence collected and the impacts observed in the region.
Philippines seeks explanation for cyanide release on disputed atoll
Philippine authorities stepped up monitoring after the confirmed seizures. Conselho of Segurança Nacional emphasizes that actions such as the release of toxins violate international environmental and maritime standards. The practice, concentrated around Ayungin Shoal, affects not only biodiversity, but also the operational capacity of the forces present at the site.
Cornelio Valencia highlighted in a briefing that sabotage against fish populations deprives both fishermen and military personnel of essential food sources. As Filipinas maintain documentation of all incidents to support their position in diplomatic forums. The lack of Chinese response to date does not alter the Philippine commitment to collecting evidence and defending marine resources in the area.
Context of overlapping claims in the strategic area
Atol Second Thomas is located within the Philippine exclusive economic zone, as interpreted by Manila. The presence of BRP Sierra Madre reinforces the claim of sovereignty over the atoll and surrounding areas in Ilhas Spratly. The release of cyanide raises additional questions about environmental preservation amid disputes involving trade routes vital to global commerce.
Filipinas recorded the seizures and laboratory tests as part of a systematic effort to monitor irregularities in the region. Autoridades highlight that the toxin represents a concrete threat to aquatic life and exposed human health. The formal request for explanations seeks to clarify the facts and avoid unnecessary escalation on Mar from China Meridional.
Documented actions include multiple seizures in 2025
Philippine Marinha carried out operations that resulted in the recovery of ten vials containing cyanide from Chinese vessels. Seizure dates include February, July, and October 2025, with a focus on small vessels operating near BRP Sierra Madre. Testemunhos of military personnel supplement the physical evidence and laboratory analysis results.
These records indicate a pattern of activity in the area over the period mentioned. As Filipinas use this information to support reports of intentional environmental damage. The toxic substance directly affects coral reefs, which support the entire local marine food chain.
