MANILA, Philippines — Drone operations by members of the media as well as volunteers were reportedly jammed by Chinese forces as Atin Ito Coalition makes its fourth voyage to Pagasa Island across the West Philippine Sea (WPS) 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.
“Pati ba naman ang airspace natin, inaagaw ng Tsina?” (Is our airspace being invaded by China as well?), Atin Ito said.
“Chinese presence is reportedly jamming drone operations used by media and volunteers of the Atin Ito during their 4th civilian mission to the West Philippine Sea. Currently, the civilian mission is 310 nautical miles away from Pag-asa Island.
“We are still well within our EEZ (exclusive economic zone), yet China’s illegal presence is now felt not only in our seas but also in our airspace,” they said.
In an earlier post, the Atin Ito coalition said that at 7:20 am, they were being shadowed by a Chinese Coast Guard vessel (3103) about 3.2 nautical miles away from their vessel MV Kapitan Felix Oca.
“This mission sends a clear message to Asean leaders: the West Philippine Sea is an integral part of our nation and a zone of peace and solidarity, not one of military aggression,” David said aboard the vessel MV Kapitan Felix Oca.
“It is also an act of bayanihan, as we extend much-needed support to the residents of Pag-asa Island and its fishers, who are reeling from the effects of the global oil crisis,” David said.
The advanced party, led by ML Chowee, has already arrived at the island and reported encountering a Chinese vessel bearing bow number 525, believed by the crew to be a Chinese navy ship estimated to be about an hour away from Pag-asa Island.
The mission also coincided with the Multinational Maritime Events happening in the WPS as part of the ongoing Exercise Baliaktan 41-2026 which heavily focuses on defending the Philippine territory from external threats.
Present during the send-off were Akbayan Reps. Perci Cendaña and Dadah Kiram Ismula, as well as former Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Erin Tañada.
Atin Ito will also hold a symbolic jet ski flag ride - a famous promise of former President Rodrigo Duterte to assert Philippine sovereignty amid continuing tensions in the disputed waters.
“The promised jet ski ride that never happened—we will be the ones to fulfill it. Where one Mindanaoan failed and betrayed the West Philippine Sea, I, another Mindanaoan and a woman, will step forward to deliver,” Ismula said.
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