Despite relentless threats from China, volunteers and civilian groups from the ‘Atin Ito’ coalition managed to accomplish their supply mission to Bajo de Masinloc this week in aid of the Filipino fishermen working in the area.
The non-government organization advocating for Manila’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) concluded their trip with a thanksgiving prayer led by Fr. Robert Reyes onboard the main boat—with two other priests on the accompanying vessels—on Thursday, May 16.
The ‘Atin Ito’ convoy are now sailing back to Subic Fish Port in Olongapo City, Zambales to mark the end of their successful mission. They made it to at least within 25-30 nautical miles from the coastline of Bajo de Masinloc.
A statement from the group said they were able to accomplish the following: to conduct a solidarity and peace regatta of 100 small fishing boats within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), place symbolic WPS markers, and distribute essential supplies to Filipino fishermen.
‘Atin Ito’ said they achieved a major victory when its advance team reached the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Panatag Shoal on Wednesday, May 15, despite the illegal blockade of China. Beijing grabbed the reef from Manila in 2012 and has since militarized it.
“The ‘Atin Ito’ contingent is expected to arrive at the Subic Fish Port (by) 12 midnight on May 17,” the group said in a message to media outlets.
“Mabuhay ang ating tagumpay! (Long live our victory!) West Philippine Sea, Atin Ito! (This is ours!),” it added.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday deployed two additional ships—BRP Panglao and BRP Boracay—to monitor the safety of the civilian mission that was also being monitored by the 44-meter vessel BRP Bagacay.
Bajo de Masinloc, a fish-rich reef, is about 240 kilometers west of the Philippines’ main island of Luzon and nearly 900 kilometers from Hainan, the nearest major Chinese land mass.
China claims almost the entire WPS or South China Sea. In 2016, the Philippines won an arbitration case against China. The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that China has no legal basis for claiming the maritime zones in its entirety.
Philippine government authorities have yet to issue an official response to the recently concluded mission of the ‘Atin Ito’ coalition to the WPS.
Among public officials, only Senate committee on defense chairperson Jinggoy Estrada issued a statement, acknowledging the efforts of the group.
Estrada said that although China possesses larger vessels and wields strong water cannons, the ‘Atin Ito’ coalition successfully placed symbolic buoys within the Philippine EEZ.
The senator cited the ‘bayanihan’ spirit, resourcefulness, and patriotism displayed by the volunteers and civilian groups that joined the ‘Atin Ito’ trip to Bajo de Masinloc.
“Their actions exemplify the best of the Filipino spirit and serve as an inspiration to all,” said Estrada.
“Let us affirm our unwavering support for the ‘Atin Ito’ Coalition and its noble mission. Their courage and compassion embody the true essence of bayanihan and their actions mirror best what it means to be Filipino,” he added. — With Macon Ramos-Araneta