(File photo from Atin Ito delivering supplies in Lawak Island in West Philippine Sea)
MANILA, Philippines — The Atin Ito (This is Ours) Coalition has completed its main objectives in its travel to Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea, the Akbayan Party said on Wednesday.
These goals include the installation of symbolic markers within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the distribution of food packs and fuel to Filipino fishers in the area.
In a Facebook post, Akbayan said Atin Ito, which embarked on a journey to Bajo de Masinloc around 7:26 a.m., finished the first phase of its voyage.
“Early in its civilian supply mission to the West Philippine Sea, Atin Ito has already successfully executed its three main objectives – conducting a peace and solidarity regatta comprised of five civilian marine vessels and 100 small fishing boats in our EEZ, placing symbolic buoys or markers carrying the message ‘WPS, Atin Ito!,’ and completing the first round of distributing supplies, including fuel and food packs, to Filipino fishers,” the political party wrote.
“The Atin Ito contingent will now proceed to the second phase of its voyage, aiming to reach the vicinity of Panatag Shoal for another round of supply distribution to Filipino fisherfolk in the area,” it added.
To ensure the safety of the civilian convoy, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) earlier said it already deployed its 44-meter vessel BRP Bagacay and one of its aircraft.
PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela likewise disclosed that they are planning to deploy additional PCG vessels.
This move is in line with their commitment to ensure the safety of civilians who joined the voyage amid the presence of the Chinese Coast Guard and their militia vessels.
READ: ‘Hope for best, prepared for worst’: Scarborough civilian convoy starts
The first-ever supply mission of Atin Ito was conducted last year wherein one of their resupply boats managed to get past Chinese vessels and reach Lawak Island on December 11.
They brought gifts for the personnel who are based in BRP Sierra Madre and other people in West Philippine Sea’s eight other maritime features.