Atin Ito 4th civilian mission departs for Pagasa Island in West PH Sea

Civil society coalition Atin Ito on Thursday sent off its civilian mission to Pagasa Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

"The send-off took place early this morning aboard MV Kapitan Felix Oca, the mission's main vessel, docked at Pier 15, Manila South Harbor," Atin Ito said in a statement.

Present were volunteers, supporters, media partners, and members of the "WPS bloc" in Congress including Akbayan Representatives Perci Cendaña and Dadah Kiram Ismula, as well as ex-lawmaker Erin Tañada.

The program opened with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, followed by a prayer and blessing led by Fr. Allan Bonloc of Project Paghilom. 

Lawmakers and Atin Ito convenors delivered messages of solidarity before the vessel's horn was sounded to mark the start of the voyage.

Atin Ito civilian mission commander Rafaela David said the timing of the mission, just ahead of the 48th ASEAN Summit to be hosted by the Philippines next week, underscores the need to raise awareness on issues in the WPS, which is expected to be part of the regional agenda.

"This mission sends a clear message to ASEAN leaders: the West Philippine Sea is an integral part of our nation and a zone of peace and solidarity, not one of military aggression," David said. 

"It is also an act of bayanihan as we extend support to residents of Pag-asa Island and fishers affected by the global oil crisis," she added.

Scheduled from April 30 to May 5, the mission aims to deliver food and fuel to island communities, conduct a medical outreach program, and hold a community concert. 

A jet ski flag ride will be staged as part of what the coalition described as a peaceful assertion of the Philippines' sovereign rights and territorial integrity over the area. — VDV, GMA News