Marine scientists from public institutions are urged to prioritize their research in areas concerning the country's security amid various damaging activities in the West Philippine Sea, including the worsening state of its marine environment.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman Jay Tarriela made the call on Wednesday after videos released by the agency and the country's military, which in the Philippine waters, have "truly shocked the world."

"These videos have revealed the distressing state of the marine ecosystem in the Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal, showing minimal signs of life, if any at all," he said at a forum organized by Stratbase ADR Institute.

"What's even more concerning is the visible discoloration of the seabed in Escoda Shoal, suggesting deliberate activities to alter its natural topography. The presence of crushed corals also raises suspicions of potential dumping, possibly involving the same dead corals that were previously processed and cleaned," he added.

Tarriela's appeal came as he lamented that "some of our countrymen would still interpret the investigation of other foreign entities as misleading or biased" as some international organizations expressed willingness to assist the government in conducting scientific investigations in the area.

"This kind of mindset hinders the national government to partner with international organizations who could have helped us extensively in conducting a study in our marine ecosystem in the West Philippine Sea," he said.

Tarriela said the agency has been trying to coordinate with Filipino scientists but the prospected partnership is always hindered by "the availability of marine scientists and their schedules."

It is now important "to rely on our Filipino experts" in these times, he said.

As such, Tarriela made three policy recommendations.

First is for the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea to instruct Filipino marine scientists from public institutions to prioritize research in areas with national security implications because it is important for them to heed the government's call "to investigate the deteriorating conditions of corals in locations such as Rozul Reef, Escoda Shoal, and other areas monitored" by the task force.

He also urged Filipino marine scientists "to proactively collaborate with foreign institutions to seek their support in conducting marine scientific research in areas of national security importance."

Lastly, Tarriela said, "the success of the whole-of-society approach relies on the commitment and collaboration of all sectors within our society." So he advised PCG and the country's military to seek scientific advices as science "plays a crucial role in providing us with a comprehensive understanding of the situation."

That, he said, would enable the government "to develop effective strategies to protect our marine environment."

"Additionally, the support and firsthand information from sectors like the fishing industry are essential in identifying areas that have already been destroyed or devastated. Due to limited resources, it is impractical for us to cover the entire West Philippine Sea and simultaneously assess the condition of its seabed," he added.