PRESS RELEASE
December 10, 2023

At 1:00 am on December 10, coinciding with the international celebration of Human Rights Day, the ATIN ITO campaign network officially commenced its “Christmas convoy” to the West Philippine Sea. Setting sail from the San Fernando Port in El Nido, Palawan, the mission aims to deliver donations and essential supplies to fisherfolk communities and frontliners, and bring the Christmas spirit to the area, as well as peacefully defend the country’s sovereignty against foreign intrusion and aggression.

“West Philippine Sea ambassadors”

Calling themselves “West Philippine Sea ambassadors,” the group, numbering over 200, comprises 20 youth and student leaders, 20 fisherfolk and other sectoral leaders, 100 fishers operating a 40-fishing boat contingent, and approximately 60 local and foreign journalists covering the historic mission. The convoy, led by the country’s premier marine training vessel, TS Kapitan Felix Oca, will navigate the general vicinity of Ayungin Shoal, with a hoped-for close but safe observation of the BRP Sierra Madre. It will then proceed to the islands of Patag and Lawak, where donations and supplies will be dropped off to frontliners for distribution to communities under the Kalayaan group of islands. They are escorted by three Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels led by BRP Melchora Aquino.

Akbayan Party President Rafaela David, a co-convenor of ATIN ITO, highlighted the significance of this civilian-led supply mission, marking a series of “firsts” in Philippine history.

Pioneering civil society initiative in the West Philippine Sea

“For the first time in our history, civil society is taking the lead in a civilian supply mission to the West Philippine Sea. We are all proud pioneers of this effort, laying the blueprint for more civilian missions in the future. We hope these endeavors will normalize the movement and presence of our citizens in our own territory, address China’s intrusion and aggression in the region and strengthen our country’s foreign policy based on people’s solidarity,” David said.

Unprecedented collaboration: Civil Society, media, and uniformed services

David emphasized that the mission breaks new ground as the first collaborative effort among civil society, media, and government entities, particularly the uniformed services. It aims to embark on a voyage representing the collective thoughts and voices of the Filipino people on the West Philippine Sea.

“This endeavor not only breaks new ground but also consistently discovers common ground among groups that traditionally do not collaborate, even holding divergent opinions. We all decided to work together for the greater cause of defending our beloved West Philippine Sea. By bridging different sectors and groups, civil society showcases the power of unity and solidarity in addressing critical issues affecting our nation,” David explained.

Foreign journalists allowed for coverage

In another historic move, foreign journalists were allowed to cover a supply mission in the area. David stated that this provides needed international recognition to the efforts dedicated to the West Philippine Sea. “This openness reflects the transparency and global importance of the Filipino people’s peaceful defense of its territorial integrity,” David said.

Live telecast: A new era in media coverage in the West Philippine Sea

Journalists, both local and foreign, praised the civilian mission for convincing the Philippine government to break away from tradition and allow live telecast in the often contested waters. ATIN ITO said that this offers audiences both national and abroad real-time insights into the events and challenges faced by those affected by China’s incursions and aggression in the West Philippine Sea, marking a significant leap forward in media engagement and public awareness.

Unprecedented media participation: Around 60 journalists join the mission

EMH, [10/12/2023 8:17 am]
David mentioned that around 60 media professionals, both local and foreign, were invited and gathered in a singular mission to the West Philippine Sea, further emphasizing the urgency and importance of the cause. She said that 45 media people were on board ATIN ITO’s main civilian vessel, while another 15 were accommodated by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels

“Whole of Nation Defense of the West Philippine Sea”

ATIN ITO stated that its mission represents a “whole of nation” initiative, underscoring the Filipino people’s united front against challenges in the West Philippine Sea.

“There is only one narrative here: we are all Filipinos. As we embark on this voyage, we represent the very best of what it means to be a Filipino. Though we may come from diverse backgrounds and hold varying beliefs, but when it comes to the shared goal of enhancing the living and working conditions of fisherfolk communities and frontliners, as well as asserting our rightful claim in the West Philippine Sea, we stand united. We emphasize the collective responsibility to defend our sovereignty and celebrate the heroism and bravery of our fisherfolk and frontliners,” David stressed.

ATIN ITO listed some of the major forces that made its maiden voyage to the West Philippine Sea possible: the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Palawan and Kalayaan local government units, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) led by Bishop Ambo David, Bishop Broderick Pabillo, Vicar Apostolic of Taytay in Palawan, the Associated Marine Officers and Seafarers Unions of the Philippines (AMOSUP), the Kalayaan Municipal Government Employees’ Association (KMGEA-SENTRO), the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP), the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, including the National Security Council (NSC) and the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the office of Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros, the House of Representatives as represented by the Office of the House Speaker Martin Romualdez, former Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, the Philippine Educational Theatre Association (PETA), Team Manila Lifestyle, and volunteer artists such Noel Cabangon and Jun Sabayton.

ATIN ITO, launched only last October, is comprised of Akbayan Party, the 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), Team Manila Lifestyle, Akbayan Youth, and the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP). #