Senators on Wednesday condemned the fatal collision of a Filipino fishing vessel and a foreign oil tanker ship in the West Philippine Sea that claimed at least three Filipino lives.

"We are extremely outraged and aggrieved by the fatal ramming of an unidentified vessel on a Filipino fishing vessel in the West Philippine Sea, resulting in the loss of three innocent lives," Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri told reporters in a press briefing at the Senate.

Citing the Philippine Coast Guard's initial report, Zubiri identified the foreign vessel that rammed the Filipino fishing vessel as a Marshall Islands-registered oil tanker.

"This crude oil tanker vessel should have had the proper equipment and radar to be able to detect even small [type] of fishing boats," he said while stressing that the crew of the Marshall Island-registered ship should be held accountable for what he described to be a "hit-and-run" incident.

"It's like a hit-and-run incident just like in our roads. Even homicide charges can be filed if there was a clear neglect on their part," he said.

"If they were aware that they rammed the fishing vessel which led to its capsizing and did not help the crew. If there was a clear intent to do that, of course, charges of homicide can be filed against the ship captain and the shipmates involved in this unfortunate incident," he added.

The Senate chief also pointed out that the Philippine government should demand financial assistance on behalf of the families of the three fishermen who died in the maritime mishap.

"We have to ask for indemnity for the families of the three fishermen. They should be given financial assistance," he said.

"The Philippine government has to stake a claim for financial assistance on behalf of the three families of those who perished in this incident," he added.

Despicable act

In a separate statement, Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros also condemned what she called a "despicable act" of the foreign vessel.

"I condemn in the strongest possible terms the ramming of ship Pacific Anna, registered in the Marshall Islands, into a Filipino fishing boat, killing three of our citizens," Hontiveros said.

"It is deplorable that the vessel left the Filipino fishing boat and our citizens in the water. This despicable act is an affront to all Filipinos," she added.

Hontiveros called on the authorities to make the foreign vessel's crew involved in the incident liable.

"Whoever did this must be held liable. Whoever they are. Wherever they are. They cannot escape from the law," she said.

Senator Grace Poe, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services, echoed her fellow lawmakers' calls for justice for the Filipino fishermen victims.

"Those found responsible must be meted the appropriate punishment. No one should escape the long arm of the law," Poe said in a separate statement.

"We call on our maritime authorities to increase their presence in our waters and strictly monitor local vessels sailing to fish to ensure their safety," she added.