The three-month sardine fishing ban in the waters off Zamboanga had been lifted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), which noted an improvement in the volume of sardine production during the closed season. Sardine fishing had commenced in the East Sulu Sea, Basilan Strait, and Sibuguey Bay last March 1. BFAR Director Asis Perez said the production of sardines increased after the implementation of the closed season last December up to February this year, which encouraged the agency to apply the same measure in the succeeding years.

De Vera, E. B. ( 2013, March 3). Fishing resumes. Manila Bulletin, p. 19.