The “Atin Ito” coalition is planning its second supply mission to the West Philippine Sea this summer, following on the success of its inaugural civilian-led mission last December to the said Philippine territory aggressively being claimed by China.

Atin Ito is a diverse coalition of social movements, Church leaders, fisherfolk, entrepreneurs, artists, and youth advocates. Its lead organizations are Akbayan party, Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM), Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka (PAKISAMA), Center for Agrarian Reform for Empowerment and Transformation (CARET), Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Samahan sa Kanayunan (PKSK), Akbayan Youth, and the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP).

“Atin Ito seeks to amplify the voices of Filipino fisherfolk and frontline workers in the West Philippine Sea, according to Atin Ito Co-convenor Edicio Dela Torre, president of PRRM.

The coalition’s first mission on December last year aimed to deliver essential supplies and Christmas cheer to fisherfolk and frontline workers in Ayungin Shoal and Lawak Island. Despite harassment by Chinese vessels, its smaller supply boat was able to successfully reached Lawak Island and deliver its supplies.

Dela Torre told ARKIPELAGO NEWS, “Tungkol sa susunod na civilian convoy ng Atin Ito, ang focus ay ang mga mangingisdang pinahihirapan ng China na mangisda sa Bajo de Masinloc. Plano naming dalhan sila ng pagkain at fuel at iba pang tulong.” (For this second civilian convoy of Atin Ito, the focus is on the fishermen who are being harassed by China when they fish at Bajo de Masinloc. We plan to bring food, fuel and other essentials to them).

“Since our last mission, we’ve witnessed how the situation became more challenging. China has not only persisted in its encroachment upon our seas but has also escalated its aggressions, resulting in injuries to several of our frontline personnel in their recent water cannon attack. In this context, we are carefully contemplating a second civilian mission to the West Philippine Sea,” he stated.

Akbayan Party President Rafaela David, also a co-convenor of Atin Ito, shared that Bajo De Masinloc is one of the areas they are considering for their upcoming mission.

“Initially, Bajo De Masinloc has been identified as a potential destination. This prospective next mission is unique in that it will possibly include a delegation of international observers to witness, monitor, and report on the ongoing harassment suffered by Filipinos from trespassing Chinese vessels,” David added.

The coalition is coordinating with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Philippine Coast Guard for the mission.

Dela Torre further said “Sana ay sa Abril after Easter pero dahil may naka-schedule na Balikatan exercise sa Abril, ayaw naming mapadikit sa military exercise. Dapat malinaw na civilian initiative kaya baka sa Mayo na. Pero ang final date ay di pa ma-set, pending coordination with the govt agencies.” (It could have been this April after Easter but because of the scheduled Balikatan exercise on April, we do not want to hold it in the same period as the military exercise. It must be clear that this is a civilian initiative, so it’s possible that we will have it on May. But we can’t set the final date yet, pending coordination with the government agencies).

Atin Ito held in Manila last week a photo exhibit and film screening, celebrating the bravery and patriotism of the civilian volunteers who participated in the inaugural mission.

The photo exhibit and film screening, themed “A Story of Courage: An Atin Ito Photo Exhibit and Film Showing,” showcased a collection of photographs by Adia Lim and a documentary film by award-winning independent filmmaker Nana Buxani, highlighting the courage and patriotism of Filipino civilian volunteers who participated in the first-ever civilian-led supply mission to the region.

The event was attended by Senator Risa Hontiveros, former Ambassador Victoria Bataclan, Father Robert Reyes and other Church leaders, fisherfolk, youth and student leaders, representatives from the British, Australian, Dutch, Swedish, and European Union embassies, leaders from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Navy, National Security Council (NSC) and renowned artist Noel Cabangon, among others.

Dela Torre elaborated, “Atin Ito remains steadfast in its solidarity with our fisherfolk communities and frontline workers in the region, ensuring they receive the support and resources necessary to persevere amidst the challenges they face.”

“We want to emphasize that this is fellow citizens helping fellow citizens. Also, that we want to ‘normalize’ civilian activities in our territorial waters,” he declared.

📷: Akbayan party FB