DOJ to help build case vs WPS cyanide fishing

The Department of Justice (DOJ) will support relevant agencies in gathering evidence and building a case against individuals, allegedly Chinese and Vietnamese fishermen, who are using cyanide at Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said yesterday.

- DAPHNE GALVEZ

“Under the leadership of President Marcos Jr., the Philippines will not tolerate any actions that harm our environment or deprive Filipino people of their right to its use and beauty,” Remulla said.

He issued the remark in response to reports that Chinese and Vietnamese fishermen have allegedly been using cyanide for fishing in the shoal, which is also known as Bajo de Masinloc, in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), they found the lagoon at the shoal heavily damaged, possibly due to cyanide fishing.

Remulla said the DOJ, as the government’s principal law agency, has been actively involved in the country’s ongoing legal action against China over the grounding of its Coast Guard vessels near Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal, resulting in significant damage to the area’s fragile coral ecosystem.

He said the DOJ initiated its study into legal remedies by gathering evidence and collaborating with Philippine marine scientists to quantify the environmental and economic damage inflicted.

The justice department has likewise sought the advice of international law experts to explore legal strategies and forums.