Protest held in Chinese embassy over China’s actions in West Philippine Sea

/ 10:05 PM June 11, 2024

 West Philippine Sea advocates stormed the Chinese embassy on the eve of Independence Day over its coast guard’s recent actions in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal last month.

Members of Atin Ito stormed the Chinese consulate after its coast guard actions in the West Philippine Sea. —photo from Atin Ito

MANILA, Philippines — West Philippine Sea advocates stormed the Chinese Embassy on the eve of Independence Day to protest the actions of the China Coast Guard (CCG) in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal last month.

Rafaela David, chief convenor of Atin Ito,  said some 500 demonstrators stormed the Chinese consulate in Makati City on Tuesday, June 11.

Article continues after this advertisement

“We remind China that our history bears witness to a resilient Filipino spirit, forged through countless struggles against foreign aggressors and the shadow of superpowers,” David, also concurrent president of Akbayan Party, said in a statement.

FEATURED STORIES

READ: ‘Atin Ito’ launching ‘Adopt a Payao’ drive for West PH Sea fishermen

“Our journey toward freedom, independence, and democracy is woven with the courage of generations who stood firm against colonial dominion and invasive forces,” she added.

Article continues after this advertisement

During the May 19 mission, CCG personnel aboard two rigid-hull inflatable boats, which managed to come as close as five to ten meters from the BRP Sierra Madre, intercepted one of the four packages airdropped by a military aircraft for the troops there, according to Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: China has ‘zero common sense’ over actions during Ayungin airdrop—PH Navy

Article continues after this advertisement

Trinidad said the CCG may have suspected that the airdropped packages contained construction materials, but pictures shown by the military showed that it only contained foodstuff, which was scattered in the ocean.

The regular resupply mission in the BRP Sierra Madre, a naval outpost grounded in Ayungin Shoal since 1999, became one of the flashpoints of tension in the West Philippine Sea, as CCG vessels resorted to the usage of military-grade lasers and water cannons which even injured Philippine navy personnel.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Chinese ships block convoy’s mother boat from reaching Scarborough

Supply missions

David’s group is no stranger to CCG’s harassment as it sought to challenge China’s rejection of ruling by conducting civilian missions in West Philippine Sea features.

In 2023, the first-ever supply mission of Atin Ito was deemed successful as one of their resupply boats managed to get past Chinese vessels and reach Lawak Island on Dec. 11, bringing gifts for those who are based in BRP Sierra Madre and other people in West Philippine Sea’s eight other maritime features.

However, this feat was not without challenges as a CCG vessel tailed the caravan’s mothership, TS Kapitan Felix Oca, prompting its captain to return to a port in El Nido, Palawan, on Dec. 10. The convoy was supposed to go in the vicinity waters of the shoal where the World War-II era ship is aground.

Last month, the Atin Ito also conducted a mission for Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal, but they were unable to reach the atoll after being blocked by CCG vessels.

At one point, three CCG vessels surrounded the convoy’s motorboat, where INQUIRER.net was also aboard. The convoy only reached as near as 50 nautical miles before heading back to mainland Luzon.

Such actions are in line with Beijing’s assertion of sovereignty in almost the entire South China Sea, including most of the West Philippine Sea, even if such a claim has been effectively invalidated by a July 2016 international tribunal ruling that stemmed from a case filed by Manila in 2013. Beijing continues to reject this landmark ruling.

David said Beijing’s actions will not intimidate Filipinos, saying it should be met with “unity, solidarity, courage and hope.”

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

“In the spirit of our forefathers who resisted colonial powers, we assert that we will not succumb to the tyranny of our era,” she said.

For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions.

TAGS: protest, West Philippine Sea

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2025 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.