Atin Ito Returning to WPS with Sea Concert

A group advocating a more vigorous but peaceful assertion of the country's rights over its territorial waters is preparing its third civilian-led sailing mission to the West Philippine Sea, tentatively in May.

- By MARK ERNEST VILLEZA

The Atin Ito Coalition said its West Philippine Sea mission will feature a "Peace and Solidarity Sea Concert" to unite fisherfolk, artists and advocates in peace, unity and national sovereignty.

The coalition yesterday announced its coming activity at a press conference in Quezon City, attended by retired Supreme Court associate justice Antonio Carpio, Atin Ito co-convenor Edicio dela Torre, Kiko Aquino Dee, retired rear admiral Rommel Jude Ong and Akbayan party-list president Rafaela David.

Musician Noel Cabangon and the all-women rock group Rouge pledged their support for the initiative, emphasizing the role of music in raising awareness and mobilizing public action.

Japanese artist Fumiya Sankai, known as "Fumi," also expressed his support through a video message, highlighting the campaign's international reach.

Scheduled for the last week of May, the concert will serve as both a symbolic and cultural assertion of the Philippines' sovereignty over the WPS, according to organizers.

The mission will bring together fisherfolk, artists and civil society groups from ASEAN nations to promote regional peace and cooperation while opposing foreign aggression.

"We are setting sail with a message of peace and solidarity through music," said David. "Through the power of art and collective action, we will fight for what is rightfully ours, not with weapons of war, but with the unyielding force of music and solidarity."