An advocate group which embarked on a daring journey to establish civilian presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) despite an intimidating armada of Chinese vessels successfully reached their first goal of installing floating markers in the disputed waters on Wednesday, May 15.
The symbolic buoys bearing the words "WPS, Atin Ito!" (WPS, This is Ours!) were deployed 14 nautical miles off Palauig Point in Zambales within the country's 200-nautical mile ezclusive economic zone just as the convoy -- composed of five main fishing boats and 100 more deep-sea fishing vessels -- were on their way to Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough or Panatag Shoal).
"Atin Ito Coalition is now in EEZ and has successfully deployed symbolic buoys/markers bearing the message: WPS, Atin Ito!" the Coalition said in a post on progressive group and coalition-member Akbayan Party's Facebook page.
While en route to the first destination, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Bagacay sailed close to the convoy.
Rear Adm. Armando Balilo, PCG spokesperson, said two additional 24-meter patrol boats, BRP Panglao and BRP Boracay, and a PCG aircraft were dispatched to assist in monitoring the convoy and ensuring the safety of the participants, which included fishermen, priests, students, international observers, members of the media, and other volunteers.
The convoy departed from Matalvis Port in Zambales around 6 a.m. After reaching the first destination, the convoy were to conduct the first round of distribution of supplies and fuel to fishermen.
The convoy will then sail towards the second destination within the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc, which the coalition expects to reach on Thursday, May 16. The second round of distribution of supplies will take place there, and the group is expected to leave around 10 a.m. on same day.
At 5 a.m. on Friday, May 17, the convoy is expected to reach the third destination which is where designated payaos (fish aggregating devices) used by local fishermen in Masinloc are placed. The participants, including members of the media, will be shown how fishermen conduct their fishing activities. The group will depart the area at 7 a.m. back to Subic Port, where they are set to arrive around 7 p.m. on same day.
As of writing, the exact location of the two remaining destinations were not disclosed by Atin Ito Coalition to avoid jeopardizing the mission.
In the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc, the China Coast Guard said it has conducted a "regular lifesaving training" to ensure Chinese fishermen's safety who operate in the area.