At the center of the mission is a “Patriotic Jetski Flag Ride” in the vicinity of Pag-asa Island, to be led by Akbayan’s Ismula together with Atin Ito youth volunteers.
The Atin Ito coalition’s fourth civilian mission to the West
Philippine Sea (WPS) will begin its journey to Pag-asa Island today,
April 30, in another historic effort to assert the country’s sovereignty
and territorial rights amid continuing Chinese incursions in the area.
Carrying
supplies and over 200 participants composed of volunteers, local and
foreign media, fisherfolk leaders, artists and crew members, the MV Kapitan Felix Oca
will depart from Manila’s port following a send-off ceremony to be
attended by Akbayan Reps. Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña and Dadah Kiram
Ismula, who will join the mission.
Atin Ito said former
congressman Erin Tañada will also be present during the event,
representing the Mamamayang Liberal party-list.
The program
send-off will include the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, a
prayer and blessing led by Fr. Allan Bonloc of Project Paghilom,
solidarity messages and a symbolic sounding of the Kapitan Felix Oca’s
horn.
Organizers earlier declared “full steam ahead” for its
fourth civilian mission to the WPS, themed “Balik-Pag-asa” which will
run from April 30 to May 5.
Building on three earlier civilian-led
supply missions, Atin Ito said the initiative continues to advance
peaceful presence, solidarity and sustained support for Filipino
communities in the area.
At the center of the mission is a
“Patriotic Jetski Flag Ride” in the vicinity of Pag-asa Island, to be
led by Akbayan’s Ismula together with Atin Ito youth volunteers.
Participants will wave Philippine flags as a peaceful assertion of presence in sovereign waters.
Another
key feature of the mission is a first-ever island concert in Pag-asa,
to be performed by Filipino rap collective Morobeats. Alongside this,
volunteers will distribute essential supplies, including fuel and
logistical support, to help meet the daily needs of island residents.
Atin
Ito civilian mission commander and Akbayan party president Rafaela
David said the fourth mission reflects the growing and sustained nature
of civilian participation in West Philippine Sea advocacy.
Meanwhile,
Filipino and American troops again teamed up and held a live-fire
Integrated Air and Missile Defense activity in San Antonio, Zambales on
Tuesday, showcasing the use of modern air defense capabilities as part
of this year’s Balikatan exercises.