Christmas convoy begins crucial phase of journey

ON BOARD M/V KAPITAN FELIX OCA-Hours after arriving from Manila, this ship left the San Fernando Port in El Nido, Palawan after midnight last night to lead a convoy of some 30 fishing vessels in what could be the most challenging part of their voyage to Ayungin Shoal and two remote island communities in the West Philippine Sea to deliver Christmas goodies under the shadow of Chinese coast guard and militia.

- MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN

The fishing boats, adorned with Christmas lights, trailed the Felix Oca as they navigated in darkness through the treacherous waters of the West Philippine Sea - escorted by three Philippine Coast Guard ships toward Ayungin Shoal, their first destination.

The fishing boats would break from the group at first light, based on plans, with Felix Oca, supply boat M/L Chowee and the PCG vessel left to complete the journey. 

The Christmas convoy, organized by the Atin Ito Coalition, is expected to reach Ayungin Shoal at 8 a.m. tomorrow.

Organizers of the convoy had been prevailed upon not to visit the military outpost on BRP Sierra Madre in the vicinity. Instead, it would just sail around the shoal.