Chinese shadow ‘Atin Ito’ mission en route to WPS island concert
ABOARD MV KAPITAN FELIX OCA—Two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels shadowed this civilian ship en route to Pag-asa (Thitu) Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Tuesday, where a campaign to assert Philippine sovereignty in the face of Chinese aggression would include a historic concert, possibly the farthest to be held from the country’s main islands.
Felix Oca left Palawan province for Pag-asa carrying over 150 youth and civil society volunteers, fisherfolk, performing artists, Church leaders and journalists as part of the Atin Ito Coalition’s third civilian mission to the WPS.
The CCG vessels shadowing the Atin Ito mission were seen shortly after the Felix Oca left the coastal town of El Nido, Palawan. The Atin Ito vessel was then escorted by the BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Malapascua of the Philippine Coast Guard.
A CCG ship with bow No. 3306 was first spotted about 7:40 a.m., while another Chinese craft with bow No. 21549 came into view minutes after.
The CCG ship 3306 went as close as 5.5 km (3 NM) from Felix Oca’s starboard side, while CCG 21549 was spotted 9 km (5 NM) from the portside.
Radio challenge swap
A radio challenge then issued from CCG 3306: “According to China’s domestic law and international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, China has indisputable sovereignty over islands in the South China Sea and its adjacents. The so-called South China Sea arbitration is illegal. China neither accepts nor recognizes this.”
One of the PCG escort ships replied: “You are advised that you are currently sailing within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) approximately 42.6 nautical miles west of El Nido, Palawan, Philippines.”
It also reminded the CCG that its vessels do not have any legal authority to conduct patrols within the Philippine exclusive economic zone.
The exchange did not result in any untoward encounter. As of 5 p.m. on Tuesday, the mission was proceeding to Pag-asa as planned.
Still, Capt. Jorge dela Cruz of the Felix Oca did not hide his concerns upon seeing the CCG getting that close within the Philippine EEZ.
“We are only 40 nautical miles from Palawan. It is alarming,” he said. “Why are they here? Why are they patrolling here? They should not be here. This is ours.”
The shadowing appears to be meant as an “intimidation tactic” to force his ship to abort its mission, he said.
Pag-asa concert today
A surveillance aircraft from the Philippine military’s Western Command was also seen circling over the Felix Oca in the midafternoon.
The mission is expected to arrive Wednesday morning in the vicinity of Pag-asa, where it is scheduled to hold a “peace and solidarity concert” for the Filipino residents while delivering supplies to local fishermen.
On Tuesday, the mission held a sunset concert on the Felix Oca while still in El Nido, with the performances of Noel Cabangon, musician Ebe Dancel, and P-pop group Hori7on, among others.
“This historic concert is our love song to the West Philippine Sea and the front-liners, everyone who stands up to protect it,” said Rafaela David, president of the party list group Akbayan and coconvener of the Atin Ito Coalition.
