AFP to ensure safe passage for Atin Ito civilian mission to Pag-asa

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Friday it will help ensure the safe passage of a civilian-led mission to Pag-asa Island, providing monitoring and coordination support as the group sails in the West Philippine Sea.

Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, a reservist and AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said the Atin Ito Coalition is mounting its fourth mission dubbed “Balik Pag-asa” to deliver fuel and food supplies to Filipino fishing communities.

The mission, running from April 30 to May 5, comes amid continued tensions in the West Philippine Sea, where Philippine vessels have repeatedly encountered Chinese ships near key features.

“While this is a civilian-led endeavor, we provide our full support through maritime domain awareness and coordination to ensure a safe passage,” Trinidad said in a statement.

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

The AFP said its role will focus on tracking maritime activity and coordinating with relevant agencies during the voyage, without detailing specific deployments.

Trinidad reiterated the AFP’s mandate to protect Philippine sovereignty and ensure the safety of Filipinos.

“Their presence reinforces the truth: the West Philippine Sea is an integral part of our nation,” he said. “We call for a rules-based order where our citizens can freely live and work without intimidation.”

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

Pag-asa Island is the largest Philippine-occupied feature in the Kalayaan Island Group. It serves as the seat of government of the Kalayaan municipality and is home to over 500 residents.

It lies about 480 kilometers west of Palawan in the West Philippine Sea.

Atin Ito has previously organized three civilian supply missions to the West Philippine Sea, mobilizing volunteers and donations to support Filipino communities operating the area. /jpv