The ‘Atin Ito’ (This is Ours) Coalition’s third civilian mission to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) officially started early Sunday morning, May 25, as volunteers departed Manila for El Nido, Palawan.
In a brief update, the coalition shared photos of its members boarding the M/V Kapitan Felix Oca, the vessel designated for the mission. The ship left Manila at approximately 6 a.m. and is expected to arrive in Palawan by Monday morning.
Ahead of the main mission, a pre-departure musical event will take place in Palawan on Tuesday, May 27, before the coalition heads toward the vicinity of Pag-asa Island for a sea concert.
Volunteers aboard the M/V Kapitan Felix Oca have been setting up the concert stage and preparing materials for participants.
The event will feature a diverse lineup of performers, including Ebe Dancel, the all-women rock band Rouge, rap collective Morobeats, P-pop group HORI7ON, Japanese artist Fumi, as well as Indonesian and Malaysian musicians Viona and Kai Mata. South Korean K-pop girl group I:Mond is also set to join the highly anticipated event.
In addition to the musicians, the mission will bring together artists, fisherfolk, and civil society leaders from the Philippines and neighboring countries, fostering peace, dialogue, and cultural exchange.
“We aim to uplift coastal communities by amplifying the lived experiences and aspirations of our fisherfolk, and to foster regional harmony through shared cultural and maritime narratives. We will sail not with warships, but with songs; not with hostility, but with harmony and solidarity,” said Atin Ito convenor Rafaela David.
The Philippine Navy recently affirmed its support for the Atin Ito Coalition, stating that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomes civic group initiatives and is prepared to assist in their third civilian mission to the WPS.
Last year, on May 16, Atin Ito’s 10-member advanced team successfully navigated 25 to 30 nautical miles from the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc, breaking through China’s “illegal blockade.”
The team delivered essential supplies, including 1,000 liters of diesel and 200 food packs, to Filipino fishers in the area. Despite being closely monitored by a Chinese Navy ship (bearing body number 175), their efforts reached 144 Filipino fishers aboard six mother boats and 36 smaller fishing vessels.
The coalition’s first supply mission took place in 2023, when a resupply boat managed to evade Chinese vessels and deliver provisions to Lawak Island on December 11.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “‘Atin Ito’ volunteers sail away for 3rd civilian mission to WPS”
