PH civilian mission advance team reached Pag-asa Island in West PH Sea — Atin Ito

The advance party of the fourth Philippine civilian mission in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) arrived on Pag-asa Island Friday afternoon, according to civil society coalition Atin Ito.

In an update, Atin Ito spokesperson Emman Hizon said the advance team, led by ML Chowee, reached the island around 3:50 p.m., about 10 minutes ahead of schedule.

“The team has begun unloading food and fuel supplies intended for distribution to island residents,” Hizon said.

Hizon added that the mission’s main vessel, MV Kapitan Felix Oca, carrying civilian volunteers along with local and foreign media, is expected to arrive there on Saturday.

Earlier in the day, Atin Ito reported that a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel was shadowing the civilian mission en route to the island.

Hizon said that around 7:20 a.m., a Chinese vessel with bow number 3103 was monitored approximately 3.2 nautical miles away from the MV Kapitan Felix Oca while it was sailing toward Pag-asa Island.

In a later update, Hizon also raised concern over alleged Chinese interference, saying drone operations conducted by media and volunteers were being jammed.

Members of the advance team spotted another Chinese vessel bearing bow number 525, believed to be from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN.)

On Thursday, the fourth Atin Ito civilian mission departed from Pier 15 at the Manila South Harbor.

Mission commander Rafaela David said the initiative aims to highlight issues in the WPS ahead of the upcoming ASEAN Summit.

“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.

She added that the mission also seeks to assist residents of Pag-asa Island and fisherfolk affected by rising fuel costs.

The mission, scheduled from April 30 to May 5, aims to deliver supplies, conduct medical outreach, and hold community activities, including a planned jet ski flag ride described by organizers as a peaceful assertion of the country’s sovereign rights.

Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

Parts of the South China Sea that fall within Philippine territory have been renamed by the government as West Philippine Sea to reinforce the country’s claim.

The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago including Luzon Sea and the waters around, within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis."

China has refused to recognize the decision. — RSJ, GMA News