The Department of Justice (DOJ) will extend its help to relevant agencies in gathering evidence and filing charges against individuals involved in the alleged cyanide fishing at Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc.
In a statement on Wednesday, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the national government "will not tolerate any actions that harm our environment or deprive Filipino people of their right to its use and beauty."
Remulla's statement was in response to reports that Chinese and Vietnamese fishermen have been allegedly using cyanide for fishing in Bajo de Masinloc, which is still within the vicinity of the West Philippine Sea.
On Tuesday, President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. said the country can file cases against China once there is enough ground that the Chinese fishermen use cyanide in the Philippine waters.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning earlier falsified the claim of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) that Chinese fishermen use cyanide to "intentionally destroy" Bajo de Masinloc and prevent Filipino fishermen from fishing.
"This claim is sheer fabrication. China has indisputable sovereignty over Huangyan Dao and its adjacent waters. The Chinese government attaches great importance to the protection of the eco-environment and conservation of fishing resources and resolutely fights against fishing activities that violate laws and regulations," she said.
