Civilian groups plan West Philippine Sea voyage as the Atin Ito Coalition prepares for another mission to assert the Philippines’ territorial rights.
In an exclusive interview, Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) President Edicio De la Torre confirmed that a new civilian-led initiative is being planned for the disputed waters.
According to De la Torre, it has been two years since a similar civilian effort was launched to express sentiments and reinforce the country’s sovereignty claims.
He revealed that discussions are ongoing among their group and partner organizations to finalize the details of the planned mission.
However, he clarified that the voyage will take place after the May elections, with a tentative schedule set for the middle of the year.
“May pinag-usapan na kami, nagkonsulta na kami hindi lang sa isa’t isa…Generally, hindi palang fixed yung every detail, papalipasin lang ang eleksyon and ah pero in the first half of this year magkakaroon ng third mission,” (We have already discussed it and consulted not just among ourselves… Generally, the details are not yet fixed. We will wait until after the elections, but in the first half of this year, there will be a third mission.) said PRRM President Edicio De la Torre.
The coalition is also considering inviting not only Filipino civilians but also representatives from other nations with territorial claims in the region.
De la Torre emphasized that their mission is rooted in peaceful advocacy and is not intended to provoke conflict.
“We want peace kaya may mga nag-suggest, gawin nating very explicit yung focus na a message na we are asserting our rights pero peacefully and we do not want armed conflict tulad ng ginagawa ng China nag-e-escalate noh,” he stated. (We want peace, which is why some have suggested making it very explicit that we are asserting our rights peacefully and do not want an armed conflict like what China is doing by escalating tensions.)
Despite reports that Chinese vessels continue to maintain a presence in the area, De la Torre reaffirmed the group’s determination to proceed with the mission.
The coalition hopes that the government will not prevent their initiative and will instead allow them to set sail once more.