The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications, and Search and Rescue (NCSR) has approved the Philippine proposal to establish the entire Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP) in the Sulu Sea as an Area to be Avoided (ATBA) to protect the fragile marine environment.

A battery of experts led by Philippine Permanent Representative to the IMO and head of Delegation Gilberto Asuque and Prof. Jay Batongbacal, director, Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea, College of Law, University of the Philippines delivered the presentation, assisted by Capt. Eustacio Nimrod Enriquez of the Philippine Coast Guard.