The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced Monday it has dispatched two vessels to accompany the ‘Atin Ito’ Coalition’s civilian-led mission to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) from May 26 to May 30.
According to PCG spokesperson for WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela, the BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Malapascua patrol vessels have been deployed to escort the civilian mission.
“Yesterday (Sunday), BRP Melchora Aquino—this is largest ship of the PCG—left Puerto Princesa, Palawan en route to El Nido. This afternoon, it will be arriving at El Nido,” Tarriela said in a press briefing. He added BRP Malapascua was prepositioned in El Nido.
Atin Ito, over the weekend, said its civilian-led mission to the WPS will continue despite the recent aggression of Chinese vessels in Sandy Cay.
“We proceed as planned, and we hope to conduct our musical event, ideally and safely within the vicinity of Pag asa Island. What we are bringing is peace through music, not the language of war,” said Atin Ito Coalition convenor Rafaela David in a statement.
On May 22, a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel used a water cannon and sideswiped a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ship near Pag-asa Cay 2 (Sandy Cay) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
BFAR reported that its vessels, BRP Datu Sanday and BRP Datu Pagbuaya, were conducting a routine mission with a scientific team tasked with collecting sand samples in the area.
The CCG said it took “control measures” against the Philippine vessels, which it said “illegally intruded” into waters near Subi Reef and Sandy Cay.
Liu Dejun, the CCG spokesperson, claimed that one of the Philippine vessels “dangerously” approached and collided with their ship, and that responsibility “lies entirely” with the Philippine side.
The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas located on the western side of the Philippine archipelago. This includes the Luzon Sea as well as the waters surrounding, within, and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc.
