HEADLINES
BBM vows legal action if evidence point to cyanide fishing in Scarborough Shoal
2/20/24, 10:30 AM
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has affirmed that the country will pursue legal action against China in response to credible evidence of cyanide fishing at Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).
In a media interview on Tuesday (February 20), Marcos stated that if there is sufficient justification, the Philippines will not hesitate to file a case against those engaging in cyanide fishing in the shoal.
Expressing concern over the escalating reports of cyanide fishing activity, Marcos highlighted the increasing involvement of fishermen in the practice.
Referring to a report from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), he acknowledged that cyanide fishing has been a longstanding issue, but emphasized a recent surge in its prevalence.
The BFAR's findings over the weekend revealed Chinese fishermen's alleged use of cyanide to deliberately harm Bajo de Masinloc, obstructing Philippine vessels from accessing the area and causing significant damage to the lagoon.
In response, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) instructed BFAR to furnish evidence supporting these claims.
Meanwhile, Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) regarding the West Philippine Sea, disclosed that Marcos has instructed continued deployment in Bajo de Masinloc to counter China's persistent presence in Philippine waters.
On the other hand, the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) disclosed ongoing deliberations on potential legal strategies concerning the issue. Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra emphasized the necessity of comprehensive collaboration among relevant agencies, including the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the National Security Council (NSC), and others within the National Task Force on the WPS.
Guevarra emphasized that any legal action must be underpinned by robust evidence capable of withstanding international scrutiny.
He noted that the decision to initiate legal proceedings ultimately rests with the President in consultation with the national task force on the WPS.
Among the options under consideration is the possibility of lodging a complaint for environmental or marine damage, though Guevarra underscored the importance of meticulous verification of the recent reports concerning cyanide use off Scarborough Shoal.