Philippines Formally Accuses China of Cyanide Sabotage at Second Thomas Shoal Garrison

The Philippines on April 13, 2026 formally accused Chinese fishing vessels of deploying cyanide near Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal), characterizing the incidents as deliberate 'sabotage' of the Philippine Marine garrison aboard BRP Sierra Madre. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of toxic cyanide in plastic bottles seized by Philippine Navy personnel from Chinese boats during at least four separate incidents spanning February 2025 to March 2026 — yellow dishwashing-liquid bottles commonly repurposed as cyanide containers in the South China Sea. NSC spokesperson Jonathan Malaya warned the tactic was designed to kill fish populations around the reef, depriving the ~12-member garrison of a critical supplemental food source, while potentially degrading the structural integrity of the reef platform supporting the grounded warship. Cyanide fishing destroys coral ecosystems and eliminates fish populations within targeted areas. China's Foreign Ministry dismissed the allegations as a 'stunt,' claiming Chinese boats were engaged in lawful fishing and alleging the Philippines fabricated evidence. The accusation marks an escalation in the category of alleged Chinese gray-zone tactics, extending beyond water cannons, lasers, and bladed weapons to alleged chemical sabotage of reef ecology.