The Energy Department has asked oil exploration companies to give a 90-day notice prior to doing any activity in the West Philippine Sea, or South China Sea.

"We are asking for better coordination with us," Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras told reporters Wednesday at the sidelines of a geothermal forum sponsored by the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and the New Zealand Embassy.

Almendras assured oil and gas companies of adequate security in the West Philippine Sea but the government wanted to be informed about vessels sailing in the area.

"It's hard if there is a vessel there. They can say it's a fishing vessel from China or Vietnam, but Filipinos don't know. This area's getting a lot of attention. So they have to inform us of their activities, that's all I ask," he said.

The government said the 90-day notice was not in response to the claims of China over the Recto Bank, which is covered by service contract 72 held by Forum Energy Plc., a company majority controlled by Philex Mining Corp.

"We want to make sure that all parties who are supposed to be in charge know what exactly is being undertaken in the West Philippine Sea. We want the service contractors to perform work obligations and commitments," Energy Undersecretary Jay Layug said.