By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz | Philippine News Agency
The recently concluded civilian resupply mission to Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) was a “major victory,” the “Atin Ito” non-government organization (NGO) said Friday.
In a statement, Atin Ito spokesperson Emman Hizon said the mission achieved several of its goals, including holding a solidarity and peace regatta of 100 small fishing boats within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), placing symbolic markers within the West Philippine Sea (WPS), and distributing a total of 6,000 liters of fuel and a thousand food packs to 670 fisherfolk.
“The mission achieved a major victory on May 15 when its advance team reached the vicinity of Panatag Shoal, despite facing a massive and unlawful blocking force by China. The advance team successfully delivered supplies to the fishers in the area,” Hizon said.
He thanked the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) – especially their escort, BRP Bagacay – and other partners in the government and private sector.
“Their efforts were crucial in ensuring the safety and success of this mission,” he said.
On the other hand, PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, commended their personnel for their professionalism during the escort mission.
The PCG deployed two vessels – BRP Bagacay and BRP Panglao – to escort the civilian maritime convoy, in addition to an aerial asset from the PCG Aviation Command that conducted maritime surveillance.
“Our men and women ensured the safety and security of approximately 160 passengers and crew of the FFV John, FFV Aguian, FFV Paty, FFV Bing Bing, as well as local and foreign media partners who documented the civilian supply mission on board our Coast Guard ships,” Gavan said in a separate statement.
These PCG personnel, he said, exercised “utmost professionalism” in conducting radio challenges and upheld the rule of law amid shadowing incidents with several China Coast Guard vessels.
“As their commandant, I take pride in witnessing how the best Coast Guard service prevailed within our exclusive economic zone,” he said.
Commendable
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) likewise lauded the group for the success of its mission.
“We commend this initiative for its significant role in asserting the Philippine’s presence and rights in the West Philippine Sea,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a message to reporters.
He said peaceful endeavors are crucial in demonstrating national solidarity and upholding the Philippines sovereign rights in the WPS, in accordance with international law.
The four Filipino fishing vessels of the Atin Ito convoy safely arrived in Subic, Zambales on Thursday with all passengers and crew in good physical condition.
At about 8 a.m. on Friday, BRP Bagacay and BRP Panglao arrived at the PCG headquarters in Port Area, Manila. (with report from Priam Nepomuceno)
