(Eagle News)– Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol disclosed on Thursday (May 11) that President Rodrigo Duterte has declared Benham Rise, renamed and now known as Philippine Rise, a Protected Food Supply Exclusive Zone.
Because of the declaration, mining and oil explorations are no longer allowed in the 13-million hectare undersea region located east of Luzon.
Piñol said Duterte tasked him and the Department of Agriculture (DA) to conduct a feasibility study on establishing a structure in Benham Rise so that the government could build a facility in Benham Bank, the shallowest portion of the region.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had earlier said China conducted survey missions deep in the Benham Rise.
Beijing denied the accusation, saying its ships were simply passing through the waters in the area.