‘We will proceed:’ Atin Ito unfazed by looming China radio threat

An aerial photo taken by the Philippine Coast Guard shows the wide expanse of Escoda (Sabina) Shoal coveted by China within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea. (INQUIRER FILES)

EL NIDO, PALAWAN, Philippines — Atin Ito Coalition is anticipating possible aggression from the China Coast Guard (CCG) during its third civilian mission in the West Philippine Sea, according to Akbayan party-list president and Atin Ito convenor Rafaela David.

In a press conference before the pre-departure concert in El Nido, David was asked what they would do if CCG issued a radio challenge against its ship, T/S Felix Oca.

“Tuloy po tayo, proceed tayo (We will proceed). We expect radio challenges; we expect shadowing,” David said on Monday. 

David, however, clarified that their mission does not seek war but instead serves as “an invitation of peace among the Philippines’ neighboring countries,” including China. 

“All countries should work together, and we are hoping that China will also respond to our invitation for peace and come and participate in our peace concert,” David said in an ambush interview in Filipino.

To ensure the safety of Atin Ito volunteers and media members joining the third civilian mission, the Philippine government will deploy 44-meter and 197-meter vessels to accompany T/S Felix Oca in the West Philippine Sea. 

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela announced this last week, following reports that a CCG vessel harassed two Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources marine scientific research vessels in the WPS.

The coalition is scheduled to hold a pre-departure musical event in Palawan before sailing to Pagasa Island on Tuesday, May 27, for a sea concert. 

On May 16 last year, the Atin Ito Coalition conducted its 2nd civilian mission.

The first-ever supply mission of Atin Ito was conducted in December 2023.

 /gsg/abc