Atin Ito, a coalition of social activists pressing for the defense of Philippine sovereign rights over the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea, announced its upcoming second civilian mission scheduled to take place on May 15.
In a statement, the group said the mission, comprised of two main civilian boats escorted by 100 small fishing vessels, will assert the Philippines’ sovereign rights within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off the coast of Masinloc and the general vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc.
Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, is a place of tension and dispute between the Philippines and China, where Filipino frontliners are constantly harassed, and fisherfolk are deprived of their livelihood, the group said.
“The primary objectives of the mission are to conduct a ‘peace and solidarity regatta’ within our EEZ, during which symbolic markers/buoys emblazoned with the rallying cry ‘WPS, Atin Ito!’
(WPS is ours!) will be placed to reinforce our country's territorial integrity. We will also explore the possibility of delivering essential supplies, including fuel, to Filipino fishers operating in the area,” said Akbayan president Rafaela David, who is a Co-convenor of Atin Ito.
Atin Ito said that it has invited international observers to join the mission to monitor and document the situation in the West Philippine Sea and witness firsthand the challenges faced by Filipino fishers and frontliners, emphasizing the global significance of upholding maritime law and freedom of navigation.
The BRP Ramon Alcaraz meanwhile conducted live firing exercises together with BRP Davao del Sur, USS Harpers Ferry, and USS Somerset off the waters of mainland Palawan.
Commander Jennifer Monforte, the captain of BRP Ramon Alcaraz said that the gunnery exercise will enhance the capability of the sailors onboard the vessel and their proficiency in targeting surface contacts while at cruising speed.
“This exercise is conducted to show the unity of two nations in promoting regional peace, security, and stability,” Monforte said.
The participating vessels simulate the gunnery exercise targeting a floating buoy pegged as "Killer Tomato" by the sailors onboard the vessel.
The BRP Ramon Alcaraz scored several hits at the target as well as the USS Somerset and BRP Davao del Sur using their .50caliber guns on deck.
Meanwhile, during the live-firing exercise, a Chinese Navy ship appeared and sailed behind the USS Harpers Ferry, hindering the said warship to do the gunnery exercise due to the Chinese sailing within the 9 nautical miles exercise perimeter.
CNS Dongdiao, a People's Liberation Army-Navy vessel, a classified as an Electronic and Surveillance Warfare vessel tailed the US vessel preventing USS Harpers Ferry to continue with the live-firing exercise.
The Chinese ship was two nautical miles away from the US vessel and was radioed by the Americans but no response was given by the Chinese.
“We are monitoring them and recording their presence and reporting it to the higher headquarters,” Commander Monforte said during the interview.
CNS Dongdiao went inside the gunnery exercise area illegally, the Navy has already given a Notice to Mariners (NOTAMS) not to sail within the 9 nautical miles exclusion zone for the live firing exercise.
Earlier, a Chinese Guided-Missile Destroyer, a Type 051B Luhai class ship appeared to shadow the participating ships in the area, and was later identified as CNS Shenzhen with a bow number of 167.
The French Naval ship, MN Vendémiaire encountered an emergency onboard and went straight to mainland Palawan of which they have not participated with the gunnery exercise between the US and the Philippine Navy.