Ahead of Asean Summit, Atin Ito mission pushes peace, sovereignty in WPS

MANILA, Philippines – As the Philippines prepares to host the 48th Asean Summit, the Atin Ito coalition launched its fourth civilian mission to Pag-asa Island on Thursday, delivering a message to leaders: the West Philippine Sea must be defended as a zone of peace and solidarity.

Atin Ito Civilian Mission Commander Rafaela David said the mission, running from April 30 to May 5, takes place a week before the Philippines hosts and chairs the 48th Asean Summit, where the West Philippine Sea is expected to be one of the central topics.

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

The Philippines is set to host the 48th Asean Summit and Related Meetings in Cebu City from May 6 to 8, bringing together Southeast Asian leaders to strengthen regional cooperation, economic resilience, and sustainability.

“This mission sends a clear message to Asean leaders: the West Philippine Sea is an integral part of our nation and a zone of peace and solidarity, not one of military aggression,” David said aboard the vessel MV Kapitan Felix Oca.

“It is also an act of bayanihan, as we extend much-needed support to the residents of Pag-asa Island and its fishers, who are reeling from the effects of the global oil crisis,” David said.

The civilian-led mission also takes place amid a global oil crisis affecting many fishers, including those operating in the West Philippine Sea.

Once participants arrive at Pag-asa Island, they will provide food, fuel, medical aid, and school supplies for residents and fisherfolk.

Present during the send-off were Akbayan Reps. Perci Cendaña and Dadah Kiram Ismula, as well as former Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Erin Tañada.

Atin Ito will also hold a symbolic jet ski flag ride to assert Philippine sovereignty amid continuing tensions in the disputed waters.

Ismula, the first Filipino legislator to join an Atin Ito civilian mission, said her goal as a Mindanaoan is to honor a long-standing promise.

She was referring to a pledge by former President Rodrigo Duterte to ride a jet ski to the West Philippine Sea and plant the Philippine flag.

“The promised jet ski ride that never happened—we will be the ones to fulfill it. Where one Mindanaoan failed and betrayed the West Philippine Sea, I, another Mindanaoan and a woman, will step forward to deliver,” Ismula said partly in Filipino. /jpv