Mass in WPS: Pray for peace, pray for sovereignty

ON BOARD THE KAPITAN FELIX OCA - Even while in prayer, the sight of two Chinese warships and a coast guard vessel seemingly bearing on them was too much to ignore for fisherfolk and volunteers attending a mass being celebrated by Fr. Robert Reyes on board the MV Kapitan Felix Oca, lead ship of the Christmas convoy in the West Philippine Sea, which was forced to cut short its voyage.

-  MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN

The ship, under the command of Capt. Jorge dela Cruz, made a hard 180-degree turn toward mainland Palawan, to the surprise of many on board comprising organizers of the Atin Ito Coalition, volunteers and fisherfolk, as well as members of the media.

The ship was leading a convoy of some 30 smaller vessels on a mission to deliver Christmas goodies and provisions to small island communities as well as to dramatize the Filipinos' determination to assert the country's sovereignty over its territorial waters.

Some 30 minutes before Father Reyes began the mass at 4:30 p.m., passengers of the 55-year-old maritime training vessel were just waiting and relaxing when members of the media noticed a boat cruising at a distance on the left side of the ship.

It turned out to be Chinese destroyer Changsha 173, estimated to be only five nautical miles from Felix Oca's position.

It was the first of two Chinese military ships that circled the Felix Oca. A Chinese Coast Guard vessel also appeared on the starboard side.