‘Balik Pag-asa’: Atin Ito ready for 4th mission to WPS

The Atin Ito Coalition is set to launch its fourth civilian mission to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) from April 30 to May 5.

The new mission’s objectives are to assert that Pag-asa Island is part of the Philippines, expand civilian presence, counter Chinese disinformation, and deliver fuel and food to fisherfolk and communities.

In a press conference, Atin Ito civilian mission leader Rafaela David, who is also president of Akbayan party list, said the mission carries the theme “Balik Pag-asa” (Return of Hope), to show the determination of Filipinos to stand up for the WPS against China’s actions, through peaceful means.

“Through this mission, we want to show our solidarity with the fishermen affected by the oil crisis. And we deliver much-needed supplies to the residents of Pag-asa,” said David in Filipino.

Pag-asa Island serves as the town center of the municipality of Kalayaan off mainland Palawan province. It is home to about 500 Filipinos.

Main ship

The MV Kapitan Felix Oca will again serve as the mission’s main ship, carrying a total of 180 participants ranging from volunteers to local and foreign media, fisherfolk leaders, artists, and crew.

Also joining is the smaller vessel ML Chowee, which successfully delivered supplies to Lawak Island despite reported harassment from Chinese forces during Atin Ito’s first mission in December 2023.

A highlight of the mission is a “Patriotic Jetski Flag Ride” near Pag-asa Island, to be led by Akbayan Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula alongside Atin Ito youth volunteers. 

“[Former President] Rodrigo Duterte’s jetski promise that he didn’t keep, we’ll do it ourselves,” Ismula said. “This is a promise of peaceful presence that many Filipinos have long hoped to see fulfilled.”

During a presidential debate in 2016, then presidential candidate Duterte said he would ride a jet ski to the Spratly Islands to plant the Philippine flag. But after winning the election, he clarified that the statement was merely hyperbole.

The mission’s other participating organizations include the Kalayaan local government; Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement; Akbayan; Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka; and Pambansang Kilusang ng mga Samahan sa Kanayunan.

Also joining are the Center for Agrarian Reform, Empowerment and Transformation; Akbayan Youth; and the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines.

Filipino rap collective Morobeats, known for their patriotic anthem “Teritoryo Namin ’To,” will also headline a concert in Pag-asa.

New Wescom chief

Meanwhile, newly installed Western Command (Wescom) chief Vice Adm. Alan Javier said he would focus on strengthening the command’s capabilities to protect the country’s western frontier by enhancing maritime domain awareness, boosting troop confidence, and ensuring consistent adherence to rules and laws.

Javier replaced Commodore Charles Meric Villanueva during a change of command ceremony in Puerto Princesa City on Sunday.

“The security environment in the area of responsibility is increasingly complex, dynamic, and interconnected, requiring constant vigilance—from maritime safety and security to the protection of critical infrastructure and the sustainable use of marine resources,” Javier said.

AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., who presided over the ceremony, challenged Javier to meet expectations and ensure the security of the country’s western frontier.

“You assume command at a time when expectations are high, and rightly so. Your task is to sustain presence, build capability, and lead your people well,” Brawner said. —WITH A REPORT FROM GERALDFORD TICKE INQ