BFAR verifying Chinese fishers’ alleged cyanide use in Scarborough

Scarborough Shoal (Bajoe de Masinloc) as from a drone. Mother boats are anchored at the deeper part of the shoal while small boats can go across the coral reefs to catch fish inside. (INQUIRE FILE PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines —  The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Monday said it was still verifying whether or not cyanide was used by Chinese fishermen in parts of Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), with a legal team scheduled to record testimonies.

Fisherfolk in the disputed waters told the BFAR that cyanide was allegedly used by Chinese fisherfolk to destroy the reefs.  

“The claim is not yet conclusive. That is why the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources continues to investigate and coordinate with other agencies,” BFAR spokesperson Nazario Briguera said in Filipino during the “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon” public briefing. 

“Now, we are organizing the team from our legal department. Our personnel will talk to the fishermen and get their statements, and affidavits,” Briguera said.

The Philippines is currently building an environmental case against China. 

National Security Council  Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya previously said that the agency has told the BFAR to complete the documentation of the incident to allow them to build a case.