Manila Philippines – On Monday, United States Maritime Expert Ray Powell said, china is sending a huge force to blockade Scarborough Shoal ahead of the Atin Ito civilian convoy setting sail from the Philippines Exclusive Economic Zone or EEZ.
The Atin ito Coalition is set to visit to have their mission called Civilian Resupply Mission in Scarborough Shoal starting tomorrow May 14-17.
Powell, said that at least four China Coast Guard vessels (CCG) and 26 “large” Chinese maritime militias are expected to blockade the Atin Ito convoy.
In a statement Akbayan Party President and Atin Ito Co-convenor Rafaela David says the activity is legitimate in their mission in the West Philippine Sea to assert the rights of the Filipino people.
And to out activities within the territorial jurisdiction of our country.
David also stated they are not intimidated by the presence of Chinese authorities in the WPS but it inspires Filipinos to remain united and go further to defend the country’s sovereign rights in the area.
“We strongly affirm that our upcoming civilian supply mission to the West Philippine Sea is a legitimate exercise of Filipino citizens’ right to movement within our own territory.” “China’s actions are failing to intimidate Filipinos“. David said this in a statement on Monday.
The said mission will participate one hundred Filipino Boats where they will also place a buoy with the words “WPS ATTIN ITO” to assert the country’s territorial integrity.
The group also clarified that their mission is peaceful and based on international law.
“Our mission is peaceful, based on international law and aimed at asserting our sovereign rights.” The reported heavy presence of Chinese marine vessels in Bajo de Masinloc is lamentable, but not surprising. Atin Ito Co-convenor stated.
David said they will conduct a “peaceful” voyage with determination, not provocation, to civilianize
the region and safeguard the country’s territorial integrity.