Atin Ito returns to WPS, sets concert in Kalayaan

PEACE AND MUSIC The civilian mission organized by Atin Ito is returning to the West Philippine Sea in May, this time bringing a peace and solidarity sea concert to the Kalayaan Island Group in Palawan. Shown in photo is New Masinloc Fishermen Association leader Leonardo “Ka Nards” Cuaresma. —Lyn Rillon

MANILA, Philippines — The West Philippine Sea (WPS) will turn into a concert stage in May as citizens’ coalition Atin Ito prepares for its third civilian mission amid tensions between Manila and Beijing.

Akbayan party list president Rafaela David said in a press briefing on Monday that a “peace and solidarity sea concert” was being planned on May 25 at the heart of the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea under the jurisdiction of the island province of Palawan.

“We are setting sail with a message of peace and solidarity through music. 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,” she said.

READ”: School lectures, research facility on West Philippine Sea eyed

Atin Ito (This is Ours) led two other civilian missions in the West Philippine Sea—part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea—in May 2024 and late 2023 in the face of China’s intimidation and harassment.

A 2016 ruling of an international arbitral tribunal voided Beijing’s sweeping claims to nearly the entire South China Sea, saying these had no basis under international law, a decision China rejects.

“When we started with Atin Ito, we said we wanted to normalize civilian action in the West Philippine Sea. If the West Philippine Sea is ours, then we can also hold a concert there,” she pointed out.

Security preparations

For the upcoming mission, Atin Ito plans to gather at least 100 civilian volunteers, along with fisherfolk, musicians and civil society groups, not just from the Philippines but also from other claimant countries and like-minded nations supporting the international rules-based order. Other details of the mission are still being ironed out.

David said they were hoping to promote regional peace and cooperation while uniting to oppose China’s aggression.

At the same press conference, folk singer and composer Noel Cabangon and the all-girl band Rouge pledged their support, while Japanese artist Fumiya Sankai, also known as “Fumi,” conveyed his solidarity in a video message.

“I’m for respecting each other’s sovereignty. Let’s jump and sing our hearts out and ride the waves of music. Go Atin Ito,” he said.

While the mission is civilian-led, David said they would coordinate with the government for security preparations for everyone’s safety.

“We know China will try to harass us but we won’t be deterred,” she said.

In December 2023, the first supply mission of Atin Ito to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal and other Philippine-occupied islands in the West Philippine Sea was harassed by China Coast Guard vessels.

The flagship boat cut short its trip and returned to El Nido in Palawan after being “shadowed” by at least four Chinese vessels, but one of the smaller boats in the convoy was able to reach the Philippine-occupied Lawak Island on Dec. 11, bringing gifts to soldiers based in BRP Sierra Madre—a Navy outpost in Ayungin Shoal—and other people in the West Philippine Sea’s eight other maritime features.

The Christmas convoy initiative saw the participation of more than 100 fishermen operating a 40-boat contingent, 20 youth and student leaders, 20 fisherfolk and other sectoral leaders and around 60 local and foreign journalists.

In May 2024, the group proceeded with their second voyage of up to 200 volunteers and 100 fishing boats from Zambales province to Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal. This trip culminated in the installation of buoys to assert the country’s sovereign rights in the sandbank. —with a report from Inquirer Research