Manila, Oct. 27 -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has said military personnel have prevented Chinese fishing boats from engaging in illegal fishing in the waters near Ayungin Shoal, West Philippine Sea (WPS) late last week.

"The AFP reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the marine environment in the WPS after forces of the Western Command prevented Chinese fishing boats engaged in illegal fishing activities on Oct. 24, 2025 near Ayungin Shoal," the military said in a statement late Sunday.

In line with existing protocols, the AFP said its units promptly escorted the unauthorized fishing boats out of the area and confiscated bottles containing suspected cyanide chemicals reportedly used for destructive fishing.

"The swift a...