Senate probe into alleged cyanide fishing in Bajo de Masinloc sought

Fishermen in Masinloc, Zambales, bring home their catch for the day on Sept. 17, 2023. (File photo by JOANNA ROSE AGLIBOT / Inquirer Central Luzon)

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Francis Tolentino has called for an investigation into the claims that foreign fishermen use cyanide in Scarborough Shoal, also known as Panatag Shoal and Bajo de Masinloc.

On Saturday, he filed Senate Resolution No. 938, emphasizing that the use of cyanide or other poisonous substances was a “clear case of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing,” which would undermine the sustainability of not just the marine environment but also the marine ecosystem globally.

According to Tolentino, Section 4 of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (Republic Act No. 11749) includes the “release of dangerous substances” as a form of terrorism.

“Subject to Section 49 of this Act, terrorism is committed by any person who, within or outside the Philippines, regardless of the state of execution. [This includes] release of dangerous substances, or causing fire, floods, or explosions when the purpose of such act is to intimidate the general public, create an atmosphere, or spread a message of fear, to provoke or influence by intimidation any government or any international organization,” Tolentino said in his resolution, citing a provision of RA 11749.

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Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) exposé spurred the Bajo de Masinloc cyanide controversy.

BFAR said Chinese and Vietnamese fishermen are allegedly using cyanide to “destroy the fishing grounds in Bajo de Masinloc,” which is located within the West Philippine Sea.

China, however, said the allegations are “baseless,” further claiming that the Philippines’ “continuous disinformation has led up to nothing but exacerbation of the maritime tensions and destabilization of bilateral relations.”

Despite China’s denial, Tolentino said it is important to look into the allegations.

“It is incumbent upon the Republic of the Philippines to investigate the said allegations not only because the same causes the destruction of our marine resources, but also undermines the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Philippines,” he said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier said he would support the filing of a case if there is enough evidence to prove the alleged use of cyanide in Bajo de Masinloc.