Atin Ito set to sail 4th civilian mission to Pag-asa Island in April

MANILA, Philippines — Civil society coalition Atin Ito on Thursday announced plans to mount its fourth civilian-led mission to the West Philippine Sea next month, aiming to deliver aid to residents of Pag-asa Island and highlight concerns over maritime security and the challenges facing Filipino fisherfolk.

The mission, dubbed “Balik Pag-asa,” will travel to Pag-asa Island in the Kalayaan Island Group in April, coalition leaders said during a press briefing in Quezon City.

“We, from Atin Ito, today announce our fourth civilian mission to the West Philippine Sea this April carrying the theme ‘Balik Pag-asa,’” said Rafaela David, co-convenor of the Atin Ito coalition.

READ: West Philippine Sea Atin Ito mission: Crewman recalls first sight of Chinese threat

David said the trip would respond to what organizers described as three pressing issues: rising fuel prices affecting fishing communities, concerns over alleged Chinese espionage activities, and continued tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

“Our mission will deliver much-needed supplies to West Philippine Sea fisherfolk and communities, particularly fuel and food assistance,” David said, noting that rising oil prices have severely affected small fishing communities that depend on the sea for their livelihood.

Atin Ito previously organized three civilian supply missions to the West Philippine Sea, mobilizing volunteers and donations to support Filipino communities operating in contested waters.

Edicio dela Torre, another co-convenor of the coalition, said the initiative also aims to encourage civilian presence in the area.

“The presence of ordinary Filipino citizens—fishers, youth, civil society leaders and volunteers—is one of the most powerful ways to respond to China’s militarization of the area,” Dela Torre said in the same briefing.

He added that civilian missions demonstrate that the country’s seas are “not zones of secrecy or intimidation but spaces where Filipinos can freely live, travel and work.”

READ: Another civilian West PH Sea mission expected ‘this summer’

Lawmakers belonging to the so-called “West Philippine Sea bloc” in the House of Representatives attended the announcement, including Chel Diokno, Percival Cendaña and Dadah Kiram Ismula.

Pag-asa Island is the largest Philippine-occupied feature in the Kalayaan Island Group. It is home to over 500 residents.

Organizers said the mission would also assert the Philippines’ claim over the Kalayaan Island Group.

“No intimidation or disinformation campaign can erase the fact that these waters and islands belong to the Filipino people,” David said.

Ahead of the trip, the coalition said it would hold a West Philippine Sea town hall meeting on March 23 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, bringing together lawmakers, fisherfolk groups, youth organizations and civil society representatives to discuss concerns affecting communities in the disputed waters.

Details such as the mission’s exact dates, participating vessels, and other operational arrangements are still being finalized, the coalition said.

Asked about possible risks from continued Chinese maritime activity in the West Philippine Sea, David said: “Our focus is on making sure the mission succeeds. Whatever actions China may take, we will respond and prepare in advance to ensure that the supplies needed by the fisherfolk and communities in Pag-asa arrive safely.”

‘Espionage provisions’ amendment

Lawmakers belonging to the so-called “West Philippine Sea bloc” in the House of Representatives also attended the announcement, including Chel Diokno, Percival Cendaña, and Dadah Kiram Ismula.

Meanwhile, following reports of alleged Chinese-linked espionage involving three Filipinos, Rep. Diokno of the Akbayan party-list said the House West Philippine Sea bloc is pushing to update the country’s espionage laws.

“We fully support current efforts to amend the espionage provisions in the Revised Penal Code because the existing law needs updating. It has been a long time and is not in tune with the times,” Diokno said in the same press briefing.

He added that the provisions are under review by the Committee on Revision of Laws and urged lawmakers to pass the reforms quickly in light of recent incidents involving Filipinos, some reportedly connected to government agencies.

Diokno also called for the passage of a foreign interference law, noting that the Philippines currently lacks legislation specifically addressing such activities.

He said lawmakers need to uncover the truth not only about recent espionage incidents but also about similar cases last year involving Chinese nationals who were apprehended for alleged spying. /cb/mcm