The national government will not militarize the West Philippine Sea (WPS) even as a civilian group launched a mission to establish their presence in the disputed waters of Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough or Panatag Shoal) on Wednesday, May 15.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for WPS, said the regatta conducted by the Atin Ito Coalition, a civilian group advocating for the country’s rights in WPS, in Bajo de Masinloc was not a prelude to the establishment of the military’s presence there.
“Let me emphasize that the convoy of the Atin Ito Coalition is not sanctioned by the national government. I reiterate that their decision to go to Bajo de Masinloc is voluntary. We did not force them, we did not instruct them. This is voluntary on their part and this is a civil society initiative,” Tarriela said in a livestreamed press conference.
However, the official admitted that the PCG supports Atin Ito’s initiative.
“This is a good sign. Because of the transparency strategy we started since last year, there are civil society groups that are now showing their support to our position in the West Philippine Sea,” Tarriela said.
As of 2 p.m., the convoy of Atin Ito Coalition has successfully installed floating markers and distributed supplies and fuel to fishermen at 14 nautical miles off Palauig Point in Zambales. The contingent has proceeded to the second phase of its voyage as they aim to reach the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc for another round of supply distribution to Filipino fisherfolk in the area.
Atin Ito organizer Emman Hizon said that no sighting or harassment from Chinese vessels has been reported so far, although the coalition earlier recognized the presence of an “armada” of Chinese vessels near Bajo de Masinloc two days before their mission started.
Read related story: 'Atin Ito' Coalition successfully installs markers in West Philippine Sea