Manila, Sept. 24 -- The Philippine government has officially deposited the ratification instrument for the High Seas Treaty or the Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement on Sept. 23.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro personally handed over the instrument during the United Nations General Assembly Treaty Event in New York City, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday.

"As a State Party, the Philippines underscores its resolve to ensure that this treaty effectively protects and preserves the marine environment in the high seas in line with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)," it said in a post on X.

The BBNJ is the first legally binding international accord dedicated ...