THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday lauded the “Atin Ito” Coalition for its civilian supply mission to Pag-asa Island.
“The successful navigation to our features, culminating in the planting of the Philippine flag on Sandy Cay, is a profound testament to the indomitable spirit of the Filipino people. This is not merely a symbolic gesture; it is a powerful assertion of our sovereign rights and a demonstration of active citizenship in the face of external challenges,” Navy Reservist retired Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, AFP spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, said in a statement.
The civilian mission “amplifies the voice of our fisherfolk and local communities” and reinforces the truth that the disputed waters is not just a strategic maritime area but an integral part of the country’s national heritage,” Trinidad said.
The group made its fourth voyage to Pag-asa Island from April 30 to May 5.
Atin Ito, a civilian-led coalition asserting Philippine sovereignty and conducting supply missions to the WPS, made a series of Facebook posts detailing how they were shadowed by Chinese maritime forces all throughout their trip.
It posted real-time videos of Chinese maritime forces shadowing them and claimed that drone operations by their media contingent, as well as volunteers, were being jammed by the Chinese.
