Senator Francis Tolentino urged the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority to fast-track the mapping of the country's exclusive economic zone after the death of three Filipino fishermen at Bajo de Masinloc, Zambales, in the West Philippine Sea on 2 October.

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

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

"Three of our fishermen are dead. We claim national security issues; three families are mourning. Can't we fast-track this by utilizing the resources of other well-financed countries that are members of the International Hydrographic Organization?" Tolentino asked.

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

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 get help from international organizations for spatial data, information, and maps.

JV calls for justice

Meanwhile, Senate Deputy Majority Leader Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito extended his condolences to the families of the three fishermen killed when a foreign-flagged oil tanker rammed their boat.

"I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the families of the casualties affected by this incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time," he said.

Ejercito also called on authorities to ensure that justice will be served to the victims and their families.

"I vehemently condemn the recent maritime incident, which resulted in an accidental collision between a Filipino fishing boat and the Pacific Anna, a crude oil tanker registered under the Marshall Islands flag, in the waters near Bajo de Masinloc," he said.

"In the strongest possible terms, I urge the government, particularly the Philippine Coast Guard, to take immediate action to hold those responsible for this incident accountable," he added.

He added: "It is essential that our maritime territory remains safe for our fishermen and that measures are put in place to prevent such tragic accidents in the future."