President Duterte has ordered the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to take administrative jurisdiction and control of Philippine Rise Marine Resource Reserve (PRMRR) to ensure the protection of the marine ecosystems. The designation of the DENR was contained in Proclamation No. 489 that declares a portion of the Philippine Rise as a marine resource reserve and prohibits the destruction of its coral reefs and other marine life. “The above areas shall be under the administrative jurisdiction and control of the DENR in accordance with the provisions of the RA No. 7586 and its IRR (implementing rules and regulations),” the proclamation read.

Kabiling, G. D. (2018, May 19). DENR tapped as lead agency to protect marine ecosystems of Philippine Rise. Manila Bulletin, p. 4.