Fishermen who joined the second Atin Ito-led civilian mission to Scarborough Shoal on May 16, 2024. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File
MANILA — It’s all systems go for the 'Atin Ito' civilian mission and concert to the West Philippine Sea on May 26 despite threats from Chinese vessels and the weather, one of its co-conveners said on Saturday.
Edicio dela Torre, president of the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement, said they have prepared for “multiple scenarios” to ensure the safety of artists and the media.
“We have no plans just for the sake of making a point to bring people into danger,” he said.
He said the group is coordinating with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Philippine Coast Guard, who have assured organizers of their presence "in case you need us."
Third civilian mission to bring 'peace and solidarity concert' in West Philippine Sea
Dela Torre said they want to make sure that they would be able to demonstrate that holding a concert for peace and solidarity in the tense waters is possible.
The 'Atin Ito' expeditions are meant to "normalize" activities in the West Philippine Sea, which is within the Philippine exclusive economic zone but which China has restricted access to.
The concerts in Palawan and the vicinity of Pag-asa Island are artists will have artists from the Philippines — including Ebe Dancel and Noel Cabangon — and from Malaysia and Japan.
Also expected to join are around 50 civilian volunteers and members of the media.
The Philippine Coast Guard said Friday it would send two vessels to ensure the safety of the participants of the coalition’s third civilian mission to the West Philippine Sea from May 26 to 30.