CIVILIAN MISSION SUCCESSFUL DESPITE CHINA’S MASSIVE BLOCKAGE

Both objectives of the civilian mission in the West Philippine Sea of ​​the Atin Ito Coalition were successful. They were able to deliver help to Filipino fishermen and also placed a buoy in the sea covered by the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.

Atin Ito Coalition, succesful on their second mission (Photo courtesy of Atin Ito/Manila Bulletin)

According to the group, up to 200 volunteers are included in the mission, part of the convoy are five civilian boats and 100 small boats. They brought the aid to be distributed to the Filipino fishermen in the Panatag shoal such as food and fuel. Buoys have already been laid in the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines. It is located 14 nautical miles from Masinloc, it also has "WPS Atin Ito" written on it.

The Atin Ito Coalition stated that they will not be intimidated by the Chinese ships that they spotted around Panatag Shoal, saying that their aim is not to cause trouble there.

Ray Powell, a former Defense Attaché and US Air Force official who is keeping an eye on the situation in the WPS, reported on Thursday that 43 Chinese vessels—including a warship—moved to Scarborough Shoal in an attempt to obstruct the Filipino civilian mission. Powell stated in a post that there were 34 Chinese militia vessels, eight China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, and one People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy ship in the vicinity of Scarborough Shoal.

“Despite China’s massive blockade, we managed to breach their illegal blockade, reaching Bajo de Masinloc to support our fishers with essential supplies. Mission accomplished!” said Akbayan President and Atin Ito co-convenor Rafaela David.

“They swiftly delivered crucial provisions, including fuel and food, to Filipino fishers working in the area. Their efforts resulted in the distribution of 1,000 liters of diesel and 200 food packs. This is despite a Chinese Navy ship with body number 175 constantly shadowing them,” the statement added. The group also stated that the goods were received by 144 Filipino fishermen from 36 small fishing boats and six mother vessels.

Source: ABS-CBN News

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