Leaders of Atin Ito coalition group show the buoy that it plans to install near the Scarborough Shoal in their planned voyage on May 15, 2024. The planned peace and solidarity regatta” will be composed of 100 fishing boats composed of social activists, Church leaders, fishermen, entrepreneurs, artists, and young individuals. (photo: Trixee Rosel)
Various civilian groups are now planning a voyage to the Scarborough Shoal to install markers and deliver supplies to Filipino fishermen in their traditional fishing grounds this month.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, March 8, the Atin Ito Coalition said it will lead a “peace and solidarity regatta” involving up to 100 fishing boats composed of social activists, Church leaders, fishermen, entrepreneurs, artists, and young individuals who are united in protecting the Philippines' sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea amid China's continuous harassment against Filipino vessels, including the use of high-pressure water cannon.
“The civilian flotilla is focused on enhancing the territorial integrity of our country,” said Rafaela “Paeng” David, co-convenor of Atin Ito Coalition, in a press conference on Wednesday, May 8.
It said they are planning to depart from Zambales on May 15 and head towards the Scarborough Shoal, also referred to as Panatag Shoal.
Once they arrive at the Panatag Shoal, David said they will install symbolic markers or buoys bearing the words, "WPS is ours!”
Strong patriotic message
Another co-convenor of Atin Ito, Edicio dela Torre, president of the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement, said the installation of the markers "sends a clear message: The West Philippine Sea is not up for grabs.”
“We will peacefully defend it as active citizens, as it rightfully belongs to us,” Dela Torre said.
Atin Ito has further extended an offer to international observers to take part in the voyage, to supervise and document the circumstances in the West Philippine Sea, and to directly witness the difficulties experienced by Filipinos in that area.
“In the midst of challenges, it is imperative that we remain resolute in safeguarding what is rightfully ours—neither more nor less. The indisputable sovereignty we possess over the West Philippine Sea is non-negotiable,” said Dela Torre.
“It is an essential element of our country's character and legacy, deeply embedded in centuries of historical significance and supported by global legislation,” he added.
Bigger than first trip
The planned flotilla for this month would be more than twice as big as the 40 civilian boats that joined Atin Ito's first voyage to the West Philippine Sea in December last year.
The purpose of the voyage was to provide supplies and gifts to Filipino troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre, an aged warship from World War II that is currently being used as a military base on Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.
That Christmas holiday supply mission to Ayungin and other Philippine-occupied islands in the West Philippine Sea was disrupted by the presence of China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels.
The main boat abruptly ended its journey and headed back to El Nido in Palawan province due to being followed by at least four Chinese vessels.
Chinese warships
However, a smaller vessel within the fleet successfully arrived at Lawak Island, which is currently under Philippine occupation.
This time, David said the group was also looking to distribute vital provisions, such as fuel, to Filipino fishermen at Scarborough.
On Jan. 12 this year, Chinese warships chased away Filipino fishermen who were harvesting sea shells near the shoal's south entrance, while another Filipino fishing boat was harassed by the CCG aboard a rubber boat.
The Philippine Coast Guard previously reported the arrival of warships from the People’s Liberation Army Navy in the area.
In February, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. claimed the existence of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea was "worrisome.”