Malaya asks China to respect civilian convoy off to Scarborough Shoal

SUCCESSFUL VOYAGE Philippine Coast Guard personnel collect food and other supplies carried by ML Chowee (background), the only boat which evaded Chinese ships that hounded a civilian-led mission to the West Philippine Sea. The provisions were intended for troops guarding Lawak (Nanshan) Island in the Spratlys. — File photo from AFP/ATIN ITO COALITION

MANILA, Philippines — A security official on Monday appealed to China to respect the upcoming civilian mission to Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal.

National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing that the Atin Ito (This is Ours) civilian convoy has nothing to do with the Philippine government.

‘Atin Ito’ promotes ‘active citizenship model’ in West Philippine Sea.

“Ang pakiusap na lang natin sa People’s Republic of China ay igalang nila ang paglalayag ng mga barkong ito kasi (because) they’re civilian. They are not in any way connected to the government,” said Malaya.

(Our request for the People’s Republic of China is to respect the voyage of this ship because they are civilian. They are not in any way connected to the government.)

READ: China sending huge force in Scarborough ahead of civilian mission — expert

Sealight Director Ray Powell said China is sending a “huge force” to the area ahead of the civilian convoy.

Malaya said the Philippine government is still duty-bound to protect its citizens.

The Philippine Coast Guard and the Atin Ito convoy are already coordinating with each other, he said.

“Sana igalang ng Tsina yung ganitong klaseng nature nitong civilian mission na ito at sana naman, huwag nilang gawin yung pinaplano,” said Malaya.

(I hope China respects this civilian mission and they do not carry out whatever they plan.)