The civil society coalition Atin Ito announced its fourth civilian mission to the West Philippine Sea (WPS), aimed at delivering fuel and food assistance to Filipino fishers affected by rising oil prices. The mission, scheduled for April, will carry the theme “Balik Pag-asa” (Return of Hope) and will sail to Pag-asa Island, a remote community in the Municipality of Kalayaan within the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG).
The announcement was made during a press conference attended by members of the West Philippine Sea bloc in Congress, including Akbayan Partylist Representatives Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Kiram Ismulah. The group said the mission continues its effort to support Filipino communities living and working in the contested waters.
According to Atin Ito co-convenor Rafaela David, the mission aims to address what the group described as three urgent concerns: the surge in global oil prices affecting fishing communities, alleged Chinese espionage activities in the country, and the supposed betrayal of certain public officials accused of echoing Chinese propaganda.
“Ang paglalayag na ito ay tugon sa tatlong pangunahing krisis na kinakaharap natin: ang krisis ng pagtaas ng presyo ng petrolyo na malalim na tumatama sa ating mga mangingisda, ang krisis ng Chinese spying, at ang krisis ng pagtataksil ng mga Tsinador sa ating mahal na West Philippine Sea,” David said.
David added that the mission will prioritize delivering fuel subsidies and essential supplies to small-scale fishers whose livelihoods have been threatened by the rising cost of fishing operations.
She also called on the government, the private sector, and the public to support the initiative to help ensure Filipino fishers can continue to operate in the WPS.
Meanwhile, Atin Ito co-convenor Edicio dela Torre, who also heads the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement, said the mission is part of a broader effort to normalize civilian travel in the disputed waters. He said the presence of Filipino civilians, fishers, and civil society groups in the area helps reinforce the country’s claim and visibility in the WPS.
