Chinese and Vietnamese fishermen were reportedly destroying corals and marine resources in Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag Shoal) by using cyanide to catch fish, the Bureau of Fish and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said yesterday. BFAR spokesman Nazario Briguera said that based on information gathered by the agency’s ground personnel, the illegal activity had already caused extensive damage within the lagoon area. According to Briguera, Filipino fishermen reported witnessing the use of cyanide in the area by the foreigners.

Villeza, M. E., & Clapano, R. (2024, February 18). BFAR: Foreign fishers using cyanide in Bajo de Masinloc. The Philippine Star, pp. 1, 2.