Members of the Atin Ito Coalition yesterday said that they have prepared themselves for the likelihood of aggression by the China Coast Guard (CCG) during their third mission to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) this week.
At a press conference ahead of their pre-departure concert in El Nido, Rafaela David, Akbayan party-list president and convenor of Atin Ito, was asked how they would respond if the CCG issued a radio challenge to their vessel – the T/S Felix Oca.
“Tuloy po tayo, proceed tayo (We will proceed). We expect radio challenges; we expect shadowing,” she said.
David, however, clarified that their mission does not encourage hostility but instead serves as “an invitation of peace among the Philippines’ neighboring countries,” including China.
“All countries should work together, and we are hoping that China will also respond to our invitation for peace and come and participate in our peace concert,” she stressed in Filipino.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced it has dispatched two vessels to accompany the civilian-led mission to the WPS from May 26 to May 30.
PCG spokesperson for WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela, said the BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Malapascua patrol vessels have been deployed to escort the civilian mission.
“Yesterday (Sunday), BRP Melchora Aquino—this is the 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 that BRP Malapascua was prepositioned in El Nido.
The coalition held a pre-departure musical event in Palawan last night before departing for Pag-asa Island today, where they intend to stage a “sea concert.”
David said that the concert will serve as a “love song” to the area and for the people who protect it.
“This is our way of showing that our mission is to make sure that a people-powered campaign, activity is our way of showing aggressors in the West Philippine Sea that we are standing up to what they’re doing,” she said.
“At the same time, this is our way to show, highlight, and amplify the voices of those who are most affected—from the fisherfolks to frontliners who are bearing the brunt of what China is doing in our own seas,” she added.
The third Atin Ito civilian mission is set to feature a diverse lineup of performers, including Ebe Dancel, the all-women rock band Rouge, rap collective Morobeats, and P-pop group HORI7ON.
Joining them are Japanese artist Fumi, Indonesian and Malaysian musicians Viona and Kai Mata, as well as South Korean K-pop girl group I:Mond.
“What we want to do is to build bridges, using the language of music. Our nations may be far apart, but we know that we are connected by the music that we share—music of peace, music of solidarity,” David explained.
In addition to the musical acts, the mission will bring together artists, fisherfolk, and civil society leaders from the Philippines and neighboring countries, all united in their goal of fostering peace, dialogue, and cultural exchange.
For Kiko Aquino Dee of the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF), the WPS is more than a geopolitical flashpoint, but “a cradle of life, livelihood, and liberty for thousands of Filipinos.”
“By mobilizing people power at sea, we are continuing the legacy of active citizenship. We are sending a message to the world—the Filipino people will always stand up, peacefully but resolutely, for what is rightfully ours,” Dee said.
Established in 2023, Atin Ito is a coalition of organizations dedicated to upholding the rights of Filipinos in the WPS.
Its first mission occurred in December 2023, when one of its resupply boats successfully evaded Chinese vessels and delivered essential goods to Lawak Island on December 11.
In May 2024, Atin Ito completed its second civilian mission, reaching Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) despite a blockade by Chinese vessels.
The mission aimed to deliver supplies to Filipino fishermen in the area.
