Civilian group pushes South China Sea mission with sea ride and concert
By Pexcel John Bacon
A CIVILIAN group will proceed with its fourth mission to Thitu Island in the South China Sea, aiming to sustain civilian presence and support communities on Pag-asa Island.
The mission, scheduled from April 30 to May 5, will combine humanitarian and cultural activities, including a jetski flag ride and a concert, as part of efforts to reinforce a peaceful civilian-led presence in the area.
鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to announce that it鈥檚 full steam ahead, our mission to Pag-asa (Thitu) Island is definitely pushing through,鈥 Atin Ito (This is Ours) Coalition civilian mission Commander Rafaela David told a news briefing in mixed English and Filipino on Monday. 鈥淲e want to make sure that our efforts to civilianize the West Philippine Sea are sustained.鈥
Organizers said the initiative builds on three previous civilian-led supply missions and seeks to strengthen solidarity with Filipino communities in the disputed waters.
The coalition said participants would deliver essential supplies, including fuel and logistical support, while maintaining a visible civilian presence at sea.
A 鈥淧atriotic Jetski Flag Ride鈥 near Pag-asa Island will be led by Party-list Rep. Haima 鈥淒adah鈥 Kiram Ismula and youth volunteers, who are expected to wave Philippine flags.
鈥淭he jetski promise of [former President] Rodrigo Duterte that he failed to fulfill, we will be the ones to carry it out,鈥 Ms. Ismula said in a statement in Filipino.
The mission will also feature a concert by Filipino rap group Morobeats, marking what organizers described as the first such event on the island.
Ms. David said the initiative aims to contrast with increased militarization in the region.
鈥淚f China is militarizing the West Philippine Sea, we want to civilianize it,鈥 she said, noting that various civic groups and artists are participating in the mission.
She added that the effort also coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Philippines鈥 arbitral victory under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
鈥淭his year, we are also celebrating the 10th anniversary of our arbitral victory鈥 where it was shown that the global community recognizes that the West Philippine Sea falls under our sovereign rights,鈥 she said.
Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement President Edicio G. de la Torre said the mission is meant to build sustained engagement with island communities.
鈥淭his is about building long-term solidarity with island communities who live at the frontline of our maritime reality,鈥 he said in a statement.
The coalition said the mission would use the MV Kapitan Felix Oca, which can carry more than 200 participants.
Organizers said the initiative underscores their advocacy for peaceful, civilian-led efforts to assert Philippine presence in the West Philippine Sea.
