Atin Ito announced a significant breakthrough today. An advance team it sent a day before its official civilian supply mission successfully breached China’s imposing blockade at Bajo de Masinloc.
Atin Ito reported that its advance team departed for Bajo de Masinloc in the morning of May 14, a day prior to the start of its official civilian supply mission. The ten-member advance team comprised of members from Akbayan Party, Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Samahan sa Kanayunan (PKSK) and the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) arrived 25-30 nautical miles of the general vicinity Bajo de Masinloc on May 15. They swiftly delivered crucial provisions, including fuel and food, to Filipino fishers working in the area. Their efforts resulted in the distribution of 1,000 liters of diesel and 200 food packs. This is despite a Chinese Navy ship with body number 175 constantly shadowing them.
This feat mirrors the success of last December’s inaugural civilian mission, where Atin Ito’s smaller supply boat, ML Chowee, navigated past Chinese vessel harassment near Ayungin Shoal to deliver supplies to frontline workers on Lawak Island.
“Despite China’s massive blockade, we managed to breach their illegal blockade, reaching Bajo de Masinloc to support our fishers with essential supplies. Mission accomplished!” remarked Akbayan President Rafaela David, a Co-convenor of Atin Ito.
“This stands as a testament to the ingenuity, resourcefulness and bravery of the Filipino spirit amidst 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,” David said.
Tagumpay po tayo! This mission is a tremendous success. We have achieved so many things despite the extraordinary challenges. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas at ang mamamayang Pilipino. West Philippine Sea, atin ito!” David concluded.
