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Michael Punongbayan - The Philippine Star
April 30, 2026 | 1:00am
Food and medical supplies are organized at the Manila port yesterday for the fourth civilian mission to the West Philippine Sea.
Michael Varcas
MANILA, Philippines — The Atin Ito coalition’s fourth civilian mission to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) will begin its journey to Pag-asa Island today in another historic effort to assert the country’s sovereignty and territorial rights amid continuing Chinese incursions in the area.
Carrying supplies and over 200 participants composed of volunteers, local and foreign media, fisherfolk leaders, artists and crew members, the MV Kapitan Felix Oca will depart from Manila’s port following a send-off ceremony to be attended by Akbayan Reps. Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña and Dadah Kiram Ismula, who will join the mission.
Atin Ito said former congressman Erin Tañada will also be present during the event, representing the Mamamayang Liberal party-list.
The program send-off will include the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, a prayer and blessing led by Fr. Allan Bonloc of Project Paghilom, solidarity messages and a symbolic sounding of the Kapitan Felix Oca’s horn.
Organizers earlier declared “full steam ahead” for its fourth civilian mission to the WPS, themed “Balik-Pag-asa” which will run from April 30 to May 5.
Building on three earlier civilian-led supply missions, Atin Ito said the initiative continues to advance peaceful presence, solidarity and sustained support for Filipino communities in the area.
At the center of the mission is a “Patriotic Jetski Flag Ride” in the vicinity of Pag-asa Island, to be led by Akbayan’s Ismula together with Atin Ito youth volunteers.
Participants will wave Philippine flags as a peaceful assertion of presence in sovereign waters.
Another key feature of the mission is a first-ever island concert in Pag-asa, to be performed by Filipino rap collective Morobeats. Alongside this, volunteers will distribute essential supplies, including fuel and logistical support, to help meet the daily needs of island residents.
Atin Ito civilian mission commander and Akbayan party president Rafaela David said the fourth mission reflects the growing and sustained nature of civilian participation in West Philippine Sea advocacy.
Meanwhile, Filipino and American troops again teamed up and held a live-fire Integrated Air and Missile Defense activity in San Antonio, Zambales on Tuesday, showcasing the use of modern air defense capabilities as part of this year’s Balikatan exercises.
