West Philippine Sea—The civilian-led ‘Atin Ito’ (This is Ours) Coalition on Saturday rejected remarks from the Chinese Embassy, saying that recent criticisms will not stop the Filipino group’s ongoing missions in the West Philippine Sea.
The coalition said “they have failed to scare us,” referring to the Chinese officials.
In a statement on Friday, the Chinese Embassy had said that Atin Ito has “repeatedly attempted to carry out provocative activities under the pretext of safeguarding the Philippines’ territorial sovereignty, but all have ended in failure.”
The statement came as a response after Atin Ito earlier reported that a Chinese Coast Guard vessel was seen following the Philippine-flagged MV Kapitan Felix Oca as it made its way to Pag-asa Island.
“For us, it seems like China has failed. They have failed to scare us, intimidate us,” said Atin Ito Coalition civilian mission leader Rafaela David in mixed English and Filipino.
She emphasized that they are already on a 4th civilian mission.
She believes her group has accomplished a lot during previous missions, such as holding the first-ever “Concert at Sea for Peace and Solidarity” near Pag-asa Island.
“They won’t stop us from continually returning to the West Philippine Sea, regularizing civilian missions, and making it normal for Filipinos to access the West Philippine Sea,” David maintained.
Read: China Coast Guard trails Atin Ito civilian ship off Mindoro
Atin Ito’s fourth civilian-led voyage, dubbed “Balik-Pag-asa,” seeks to assist communities on Pag-asa Island through humanitarian efforts while peacefully asserting the Philippines’ right in the contested waters.
David said they bring gifts and various entertainment activities to the residents of Pag-asa, affirming their group’s solidarity with the people. /apl
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