The Atin Ito Coalition reported that two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels tracked its ship during a civilian mission to Pagasa Island on Tuesday morning.
According to the coalition’s update, CCG 3306 and CCG 21549 followed the M/V Kapitan Felix Oca approximately 54 nautical miles from El Nido, Palawan.
“CCG 3306 is 3 NM from Atin Ito ship while the other one, CCG 21549, is 5 NM away from the Atin Ito ship,” the coalition said.
The Atin Ito Coalition noted that Chinese and Philippine forces exchanged radio challenges during the mission.
Volunteers from Atin Ito had arrived in El Nido on Monday to begin their third civilian-led mission to the West Philippine Sea (WPS), which is set to conclude with a concert near Pagasa Island. The mission is scheduled to run from May 26 to 30.
Onboard the Atin Ito vessel, M/V Kapitan Felix Oca, are more than 150 individuals, including volunteers, artists, press members, and boat crew.
“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,” Atin Ito convenor Rafaela David earlier said.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced on Monday that it had dispatched two of its vessels, Melchora Aquino and BRP Malapascua, to provide escort for the civilian-led mission.
Tensions remain high as Beijing asserts claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, a critical waterway for over $3 trillion in annual maritime trade. These claims overlap with areas claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.
To affirm its sovereignty, the Philippine government has designated portions of the South China Sea within its jurisdiction as the West Philippine Sea.
The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago including Luzon Sea and the waters around, within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc.
