Fisherfolk on small bancas join volunteers from the Atin Ito Coalition and members of the media as they prepare to depart from Matalbis Port in Masinloc, Zambales, for the second civilian resupply mission to the West Philippine Sea on May 15, 2024. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday said it deployed two of its vessels to ensure the safety of the participants of the Atin Ito Coalition’s third civilian mission to the West Philippine Sea set from May 26 to 30.
PCG to send 2 ships to West PH Sea to safeguard 'Atin Ito' convoy
Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said the 44-meter BRP Malapascua was prepositioned in El Nido, Palawan for the mission. The 97-meter BRP Melchora Aquino, meanwhile, will arrive in the area on Monday afternoon.
“The intention is for these PCG vessels to escort the Atin Ito convoy as they proceed to Pag-asa Island,” Tarriela told reporters in a press briefing at the West Philippine Sea Transparency Office in Manila.
Last week, Atin Ito Coalition convener Rafaela David said the civilian mission would continue despite the recent harassment of China Coast Guard vessels against Philippine vessels near Pag-asa Island.
Philippines says China Coast Guard fired water cannon, 'sideswiped' govt vessel
A CCG vessel fired water cannon and sideswiped the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ (BFAR) BRP Datu Sanday while it was conducting marine scientific research in the Pag-asa Cays on May 21.
“We proceed as planned, and we hope to conduct our musical event ideally and safely within the vicinity of Pag-asa Island. Ang dala natin ay kapayapaan sa pamamagitan ng musika, hindi lengguwahe ng giyera,” David said in a statement.
“What happened [on May 21] at Sandy Cay all the more highlight[s] the need for this civilian-led mission in the West Philippine Sea, and to impress upon China that Filipinos and citizens of other nations want peace in the region,” she added.
CHINA 'INVITED'
The Atin Ito Coalition revealed it formally invited China to be part of their peace and solidarity concert in the West Philippine Sea, but the embassy did not reply.
The coalition made the explanation after it was questioned why the Chinese flag was part of the official signages and posters for their concert.
David said they sent the invite two months ago, as a sign of goodwill.
"Our invitation for peace is an invitation to all neighboring countries and that includes China... Yung pagsisigurado ng kapayapaan sa rehiyon dapat lahat ng bansa ay magkakatuwang. We're hoping China will respond to our invitation for peace at sumama at mag-participate din sa ating peace concert," David told ABS-CBN News.
Third civilian mission to bring 'peace and solidarity concert' in West Philippine Sea
Aside from Filipinos and international artists, Malaysian fisherfolk representing the International Fisherfolk Association are also joining the trip.
"Fishers' rights should be maintained. They have a right to fish in the waters," said Azril Omar, a delegate from Malaysia.
A send-off concert is expected on Monday night, with the mission proper departing for the West Philippine Sea early Tuesday morning.
‘NO SIGNIFICANT INCREASE'
Tarriela said there was no significant increase seen in the number of Chinese vessels in the vicinity of Pag-asa Island, where the Atin Ito Coalition will hold its first-ever “Sea Concert for Peace and Solidarity.”
The peace concert will feature renowned Filipino and international artists.
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“As of this time, there are no significant changes that we can say. Kung gugustuhin man nila [China] mag-deploy from El Nido to Pag-asa, that will be easy for them to recalibrate,” Tarriela noted.
However, the official acknowledged that Chinese vessels—whether coast guard or maritime militia—could be easily dispatched from the nearby Subi Reef, which China has controlled after years of unimpeded construction of military facilities there.
“We believe that the moment the Atin Ito convoy comes closer to Pag-asa, that will be the time na magkaroon tayo ng escalation on how many vessels across different maritime forces ng China will be deployed. It is because malapit lang dito ang Subi Reef," he said.
"In a matter of minutes, the CCG or maritime militia or the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy can immediately be deployed to prevent the Atin Ito from moving forward sa Pag-asa kung haharangin man nila,” Tarriela said.
'All systems go' for ‘Atin Ito’ concert, civilian mission in West Philippine Sea
Subi Reef is located outside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) but is part of Pag-asa Island’s 12-nautical mile territorial sea.
Tarriela said he does not expect Chinese vessels to carry out aggressive actions to counter the civilian-led mission, but emphasized that the PCG is ready to respond to any incident.
“In instances na makikita nating ang CCG lumalapit sa convoy and appearing not to hesitate to block the convoy, the PCG will go near para siguruhing hindi magkakaroon ng insidente between the Atin Ito and the CCG,” he said.
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