Manila, April 14 -- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna underscored the serious toxic risks posed by the presence of cyanide in the West Philippine Sea, warning of its potentially devastating effects on marine ecosystems and even human health.

During an interview at the launch of the DENR Permitting-On-Wheels in Binondo, Manila on Tuesday, Cuna said cyanide is among the most tightly regulated chemicals under government control due to its high toxicity.

"As we know, cyanide, isa yan sa mga chemical sa ilalim ng DENR, sa EMB (Environmental Management Bureau), na merong chemical control order. Ibig sabihin nito, since very toxic siya pero ginagamit pa rin in certain activities, kailangan monito...