Senator Francis Tolentino urged the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority to fast-track the mapping of the exclusive economic zone amid the ill-fated death of three Filipino fishermen in Bajo De Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea last 2 October.

Tolentino asked the NAMRIA during the Senate's deliberation of the Proposed 2024 National Expenditure Program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and its attached agencies on Wednesday.

However, NAMRIA chief, Undersecretary Peter Tiangco, said the EEZ mapping can be completed at least by 2028.

"Tatlo na ang patay na fishermen natin. We claim national security issues, tatlo na 'yong maglalamay mamaya. Can't we fast track this by utilizing the resources of other well-financed countries who are members of the International Hydrographic Organization?" Tolentino asked.

Tiangco said the fast-tracking of mapping would depend on the resources utilized by the NAMRIA.

Hence, Tolentino expressed his support for NAMRIA's proposed budget "so it can better perform its mandate" in response to the ongoing incidents concerning the country's EEZ.

He also suggested that NAMRIA should get the help of international organizations for spatial data, information, and maps.