“Mindanaoan isang lalaki ang nangako na magje-jet ski sa Spratly Island…why not kami na ang tutupad doon sa jet ski ride na ipinangako niya,” Akbayan Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula said, referring to former president Rodrigo Duterte.
The Atin Ito civil society coalition’s fourth civilian-led mission to the West Philippine Sea will arrive in Pag-asa Island tomorrow, May 2, in another historic attempt to not only bring food and supplies to residents but also carry out a “patriotic jet ski flag ride” by a congresswoman who vows to fulfill a failed promise of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Aboard the MV Kapitan Felix Oca, Akbayan Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula from an indigenous group in Zamboanga will take on the challenge of riding into the sea while proudly waving the Philippine flag to assert the country’s sovereignty and territorial rights over the Kalayan Island Group.
“Mindanao made the promise, and a Mindanaoan will fulfill it,” she said in a message during the send-off ceremony on Thursday, April 30, where she expressed both excitement and concern over her decision to join the trip to Pag-asa Island by sea and bring not only fuel, food and other supplies but also hope to residents of the municipality of Kalayaan.
“This morning when I woke up, I said this is it. This is the day we set sail. Last night (Wednesday, April 29) when we registered, it had yet to sink in that I was really part of this mission,” Ismula said, adding it all somehow felt real when she boarded the boat Thursday morning.
Ismula said it is important to her to have the chance to set foot on and visit Pag-asa Island to see, hear and witness the life conditions of Filipinos there so that she can share this with Congress and tell her colleagues at the House of Representatives and the Senate that the West Philippine Sea belongs to the Filipino and that laws can be passed or funds appropriated for the benefit of those living in remote places like Pag-asa.
During the send-off ceremony, a prayer and blessing was led by Fr. Allan Bonloc of Project Paghilom that was followed by solidarity messages from Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña, former congressman Erin Tañada of Mamamayang Liberal party-list, Edicio dela Torre of the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement, and Randy Cirio of the Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka.
The Kapitan Felix Oca also sounded its powerful horn during the send-off as organizers, guests, youth leaders and other volunteers chanted “West Philippine Sea, Atin Ito” loudly and repeatedly to mark the beginning of the voyage.
Atin Ito’s latest civilian mission will deliver food, fuel and other supplies to island residents, conduct a medical outreach, and hold a community concert to be led by Filipino rap collective Morobeats, well-known for their patriotic rap songs including the phenomenal “Teritoryo” that practically became the theme song of last year’s mission also to Pag-asa Island.
Atin Ito civilian mission commander and Akbayan party president Rafaela David said this year’s mission comes a week ahead of the 48th ASEAN Summit, to be hosted and chaired by the Philippines, where the WPS will be among the key issues discussed.
Meanwhile, Balikatan exercises 2026 mobilized 11 multinational vessels for enhanced maritime operations in the West Philippine Sea.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines, together with the United States Armed Forces and partner nations—the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Australian Defence Force, and Canadian Armed Forces—conducted a Multinational Maritime Event from April 20 to May 1 in the West Philippine Sea as part of Exercise Balikatan 41-2026. — With Pia Lee-Brago