West Philippine Sea: Atin Ito to launch third civilian mission in May

The Atin Ito Coalition announces its third civilian mission to the West Philippine Sea in the last week of May this year, along with the conduct of a concert calling for “peace, unity, and solidarity.” INQUIRER.net/ Faith Argosino

MANILA, Philippines — The Atin Ito Coalition is set to embark on its third civilian mission to the West Philippine Sea in the last week of May this year and conduct a concert calling for “peace, unity, and solidarity.”

In a press conference on Monday, the coalition announced its mission and unveiled the “Peace and Solidarity Sea Concert,” geared at gathering fisherfolk, artists, and advocates.

According to Atin Ito, singer-songwriter Noel Cabangon, the all-women rock group Rouge, and Japanese content creator Fumiya Sankai are among the artists who have pledged their support for the concert.

Sankai announced his participation in a video statement played during the coalition’s press conference in Quezon City.

“I am an artist from Japan, and I will join the peace concert on May 25 to show my solidarity with all the claimants of the West Philippine Sea. I am for respecting each others’ sovereignty. So, let’s jump and sing our hearts out and ride the waves of music. Go Atin Ito (This is ours)!” he said.

READ: ‘Atin Ito’ convoy breaches China’s blockade at Bajo de Masinloc

“We are setting sail with a message of peace and solidarity through music,” said Akbayan Partylist President and Atin Ito co-convenor Rafaela David.

“Through the power of art and collective action, we will fight for what is rightfully ours-not with weapons of war, but with the unyielding force of music and solidarity. We will restore peace, solidarity, and cooperation in the region values that have long bound our nations together, especially among our fisherfolk,” she added.

On the other hand, advocate Kiko Aquino Dee noted the previous administration’s “betrayal” when former President Rodrigo Duterte’s policies enabled China’s aggressive incursions, endangering fisherfolk and compromising national security.

“Our victory in 2016 shows that international courts can actually strengthen our sovereignty. To every Filipino who believes in our rights as a nation, let us assert them by voting for candidates who have never wavered on defending the West Philippine Sea,” he said.

READ: ‘Atin Ito’: Panatag trip is about access to WPS

On May 16 last year, Atin Ito’s 10-member advanced team arrived  25 to 30 nautical miles from the general vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc and breached China’s then “illegal blockade.”

The team delivered crucial provisions, including fuel and food, to Filipino fishers working in the area. Their efforts resulted in the distribution of 1,000 liters of diesel and 200 food packs—despite a Chinese Navy ship, bearing body number 175, constantly shadowing them.

Atin Ito reported distributing the supplies to 144 Filipino fishers in six mother boats and 36 small fishing boats.

The first-ever supply mission of  Atin Ito was conducted in 2023, during which one of their resupply boats managed to get past Chinese vessels and reach Lawak Island on December 11 of the same year.

They brought gifts to personnel stationed at BRP Sierra Madre and other maritime features in the West Philippine Sea.