By Junex Doronio
MANILA — “Matalino man ang matsing ay napaglalangan din” seemed to apply to China which put up a huge blockade of Chinese vessels when the advance team of a Philippine civilian mission led by Atin Ito Coalition was able to break through and reached Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“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!” Atin Ito co-convenor and Akbayan president Rafaela David said in a statement on Thursday (16 May 2024).
It was learned that on Tuesday (14 May 2024), a day before the official start of the civilian mission, an advance team already set sail.
Around 200 volunteers and 100 fishermen aboard five wooden bancas and 100 smaller boats set sail from Masinloc in Zambales on Wednesday (15 May 2024) morning en route to Scarborough Shoal.
Atin Ito Coalition said the advance team arrived 25 to 30 nautical miles of the general vicinity of Scarborough Shoal on Wednesday (15 May 2024).
“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,” David said.
She added: “This stands as a testament to the ingenuity, resourcefulness and bravery of the Filipino spirit amidst formidable challenges.”
However, the main convoy of the civilian mission would no longer proceed to Scarborough Shoal following reports that Chinese vessels already drove away the fishermen who were supposed to receive another round of supplies there.
(el Amigo/MNM)