Atin Ito: China failed to scare civilian mission

The Atin Ito Coalition officially declared its fourth civilian mission to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) a success, saying China failed to stop, scare and intimidate the mission using its warships, coast guard boats, a helicopter and maritime militia vessels.

- By MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN

Philippine maritime forces patrol the port of Pag-asa Island in Palawan the other day after assisting members of the Atin Ito Coalition in planting a Philippine flag on Sandy Cay. The municipality of Kalayaan has offered tours to the island aimed at reviving patriotism and asserting sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.

(MICHAEL VARGAS)

“We're happy to announce that it’s mission accomplished,” Akbayan Party president Rafaela David said yesterday aboard the MV Kapitan Felix Oca en route back to Manila, with expected arrival Tuesday night.

“We were able to bring help to residents of Pag-asa (Island). Cong. Dadah Ismula was able to jet ski and also our special mission, we planted the flags of the Philippines and Atin Ito at Sandy Cay or Pag-asa Cay 2,” she said.