Atin Ito: Mission accomplished

“Diskarteng Pinoy” the Filipino way made the day for the Atin Ito Coalition’s peace and solidarity regatta” as it managed to elude a Chinese blockade of Panatag Scarborough) Shoal to accomplish its mission of delivering 1,000 liters of fuel and 200 food packs to Filipino fishermen in the area.

- MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN

“This stands as a testament to the ingenuity, resourcefulness and bravery of the Filipino spirit amid formidable challenges. China may possess larger and more vessels, and wield strong water cannons, but we possess a secret weapon: our ‘diskarteng Pinoy,’ which, when coupled with determination and love for fellow citizens and country, can surmount even the most daunting adversity,” Atin Ito co-convenor and Akbayan president Rafaela David said.

Organizers said it was an advance team aboard the MV Franz Gavin, which completed the trip to Panatag – unmolested by the Chinese – after it left Subic Fishport a day ahead of the main convoy’s departure from Masinloc, Zambales on Wednesday.

“Despite China’s massive blockade, we managed to breach their illegal blockade, reaching the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc to support our fishers with essential supplies,” David said. “Mission accomplished.”

Atin Ito mission spokesman Emman Hizon told The STAR the advance contingent managed to reach its destination- also called Bajo de Masinloc and deliver supplies despite being shadowed by a China People's Liberation Army Navy warship with bow number 175.