The personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) escorted Chinese fishing boats out of the Philippine waters near Ayungin Shoal last Friday.

Col. Xerxes Trinidad, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief said the military troops confiscated bottles containing suspected cyanide chemicals from the Chinese fishing boats allegedly engaged in illegal fishing activities near the shoal.

It was not known how many Chinese fishing boats were led out of the area.

Trinidad said "in adherence to established protocols" the fishing boats were escorted by the AFP personnel out of the area.

"The swift and measured action prevented further harm to coral reefs and marine life, underscoring the AFP’s commitment to protecting the ecological integrity of the West Philippine Sea for future generations," he said.

"The Armed Forces of the Philippines reiterates that its continuous presence and patrols in the West Philippine Sea are lawful and primarily focused on ensuring the safety of personnel, upholding territorial integrity, and advancing the protection and preservation of the marine environment within the country’s maritime domain," he added. Robina Asido/DMS