Philippine Coast Guard Assures Safety for Civilian Convoy in West Philippine Sea
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has expressed strong confidence that the civilian convoy organized by the Atin Ito Coalition will not face water cannon harassment from Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea. This assurance comes as the convoy, led by the MV Kapitan Felix Oca, embarks on its third mission to the contested waters, aiming to promote peace, unity, and solidarity through a sea concert.
Despite previous incidents involving water cannon use by the China Coast Guard against Philippine vessels, sources familiar with the matter indicate that the Chinese side is unlikely to target this civilian-led initiative. PCG officials believe that the China Coast Guard and maritime militia will refrain from aggressive actions against the convoy, especially since the event involves local and international media coverage.
Expectations and Previous Encounters in the West Philippine Sea
In earlier missions conducted by Atin Ito in 2023 and 2024, the Chinese response primarily involved increasing maritime force presence to obstruct the convoy’s passage. This move appeared intended to discourage civilian volunteers from reaching the disputed waters. However, experts suggest that aggressive tactics like firing water cannons at civilian groups could result in widespread international criticism, which China would likely want to avoid.
The PCG spokesperson noted, “They also know that once they do that kind of response against a civilian-led initiative or activity where we have local media and international media on board, they will be heavily criticized in different parts of the world.” This understanding supports the expectation that the current mission will proceed without violent interference.
Significance of the Civilian Mission and Government Support
The Philippine government supports the Atin Ito initiative, recognizing its role in raising awareness of the ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea. Officials highlight how such civil society movements challenge China’s narrative and complicate its efforts to control information internationally.
One official explained that if neighboring countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei also launch similar civilian campaigns, it could pose a significant challenge to China’s regional ambitions. “It will be disastrous for the People’s Republic of China to counter this kind of operation,” they added.
Escort and Itinerary of the Atin Ito Convoy
To ensure the safety of the convoy, the PCG has deployed the BRP Melchora Aquino, a 97-meter multi-role response vessel, and the 44-meter patrol ship BRP Malapascua. Approximately 50 civilian vessels joined the MV Kapitan Felix Oca for this mission.
The convoy departed Manila on Sunday and arrived in El Nido, Palawan, on Monday morning, where a pre-departure musical event was held that evening. From there, the mission will head toward the general vicinity of Pag-asa (Thitu) Island on May 27 to host a historic sea concert featuring prominent local and international artists.
Artists Participating in the Peace Concert
The concert will showcase performances by notable Filipino artists such as Noel Cabangon, Ebe Dancel, the all-women rock band Rouge, rap group Morobeats, and P-pop ensemble HORI7ON. They will be joined by international musicians including Japanese artist Fumi, Indonesian and Malaysian talents Viona and Kai Mata, and South Korean K-pop group I:Mond.
Recent Tensions and Mission’s Purpose
Recent reports indicate that a China Coast Guard vessel fired water cannons and sideswiped a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel conducting marine scientific research near Pag-asa Cay 2 (Sandy Cay). This incident underscores the ongoing friction in the area.
Atin Ito convenors described the sea concert as a peaceful form of protest against aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea. As one organizer stated, “This is our way to show, highlight, and amplify the voices of those who are most affected – from the fisherfolk to frontliners who are bearing the brunt of what China is doing in our own seas.”
Government Role and Security Measures
While the mission is civilian-led, government officials emphasize the PCG’s responsibility to provide security and escort services. An official from the National Security Council explained that, given the tensions in the West Philippine Sea, it was necessary for the PCG to support and protect the convoy upon request.
He added, “The government is just there to ensure that they are properly escorted since they are Philippine citizens and it’s the responsibility of the Philippine Coast Guard to assist them if ever there are tensions that may arise because of their presence in the area.”
This partnership highlights a collaborative effort between civil society and government agencies to assert Philippine sovereignty and promote peaceful advocacy in the region.
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