Christmas convoy to follow PCG advice, avoid confrontation with China

The civilian-led Christmas convoy to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Saturday said it would adhere to the Philippine Coast Guard's advice and avoid a confrontation with China during their journey.

“We will try to make sure na kapag sa tingin natin na medyo delikado na, makikinig tayo sa PCG. Hindi tayo pupunta sa mga lugar na medyo tensiyonado. Ang intensiyon ng misyon na ito ay hindi makipagpatintero... Ang goal natin ay magbigay ng Christmas cheer,” ATIN ITO Coalition co-convenor Rafaela David said in a Dobol B TV interview.

(We will try to make sure that if we think it is dangerous, we will listen to the PCG. We will not go to areas where the situation is tense. The intention of this journey is not to play ‘patintero’ with China. Our goal is to spread Christmas cheer.)

“May mga area na kapag pinuntuhan na, isa-shadow ka na ng China. Hindi natin paabutin sa ganu’ng sitwasyon,” she added.

(There are areas that you head towards, and China would ‘shadow’ you. We will not try to reach that kind of situation.)

The convoy is composed of over 40 volunteers - made up of youth and student leaders, along with fisherfolk representatives - who are embarked on a Christmas Convoy Civilian Supply Mission to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) from Manila.

The volunteers were aboard a 150-capacity civilian marine vessel carrying donations and supplies. Upon arrival in El Nido, the volunteers will join a larger contingent of 100 fisherfolk, according to the group.

The Christmas convoy with 40 boats will then set sail towards the general vicinity of Ayungin Shoal, Patag, and Lawak Islands from December 10 to 12 to distribute the donations and supplies.

Initially, ATIN ITO had proposed bringing goods to BRP Sierra Madre inside Ayungin Shoal. However, the National Security Council only allowed them in the vicinity waters of Ayungin Shoal due to security concerns.

David said the activity serves as a “peaceful way” for ordinary Filipino citizens to stand for the country’s rights over its territory.

David thanked the Philippine government for allowing civilian volunteers to conduct their mission.

“Natutuwa tayo kasi nakita nila ang strategic value na ang mga mamamayan at gobyerno ay nagkakaisa sa pagtindig laban sa China,” she said.

(We are glad because they saw the strategic value of citizens and the government united in standing up against China.)

“It sends a strong message to China na naninindigan tayo na ang West Philippine Sea is ours. Strategic din ang value nito kasi kapag mas maraming civilian missions or vessels na nasa area, mas mapapalaki natin ang presensiya ng mga Pilipino sa sarili nating tubig.”

(It sends a strong message to China that we are firm in our stand that the West Philippine Sea is ours. Its value is also strategic because the more civilian missions or vessels are in the area, the more we can increase the presence of Filipinos in our waters.) — DVM, GMA Integrated News