On board BRP Davao del Sur: President Rodrigo Duterte said he would still allow but “strictly” enforce commercial fishing in the Philippine Rise (Benham Rise) after he proclaimed the 13-million hectare undersea region a marine protected area. Duterte made the remark on Tuesday after he signed the proclamation during the send-off ceremony for the 50 Filipino scientists who will conduct marine research in the underwater region off the coast of Aurora province.

Valente, C. S. (2018, May 17). Commercial fishing allowed in Philippine Rise – Duterte. Manila Times, p. A2.