Aside from confidential funds assured by lawmakers to the Philippine Coast Guard, the agency had also asked for additional radars and vessels.

The PCG said that such equipment and vessels would help it better perform its mandate of securing the country's coastlines, internal waters, and lawful entitlements in the West Philippine Sea.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, said advanced radars can help automatically identify vessels.

"With the right technology, we can create awareness. The sense of patriotism will be triggered, allowing all of us to be united regardless of our political affiliations," he said during the Social Good Summit on Saturday.

"Through the use of technology, we are holding China accountable for their blatant violations of international law since their actions are now being broadcasted to the entire world," he added.

Earlier, he admitted that PCG assets are no match with those of China, as shown in their confrontations in the Scarborough Shoals when about 50 Chinese vessels swarmed the area.

On Saturday, the Philippine Navy reported that the Rozul Reef, also in the WPS, had been pillaged of its coral reefs following a similar swarming by Chinese vessels.

Tarriela said advanced radars can help with the automatic identification of vessels.

In last week's Senate investigation on WPS issues, Tarriela said the most they can do is issue radio challenges to inform Chinese vessels that they are intruding into the Philippines' exclusive economic zones in the West Philippine Sea.

"And we document them, release them to the public, and tell the international community that these Chinese militias really exist; that they are still swarming in our EEZ," he told lawmakers.

PCG spokesperson, Rear Admiral Armand Balilo, said earlier that some countries are donating drones that can reach 50 nautical miles to help the Philippines patrol the WPS.

The PCG presently has 26 vessels, including the 97-meter Japan-made BRP Melchora Aquino, and the BRP Teresa Magbanua acquired and commissioned in 2022. The two ships can carry out 15-day missions and traverse rough seas.

Balilo said they are also eyeing three offshore patrol vessels through a low-interest loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson, Colonel Medel Aguilar, said the United States, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, France, India, Canada and Singapore have expressed their intention to help the Philippines patrol the WPS.