Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Francis Orcio

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Civilian coalition Atin Ito is set to mount a “patriotic jetski flag ride” in waters off Pag-asa Island as part of its fourth civilian-led mission to the West Philippine Sea (WPS).Scheduled from April 30 to May 5, the mission, dubbed “Balik-Pag-asa”, will bring together around 180 participants, including youth volunteers, fisherfolk leaders, artists, and media, aboard the main vessel MV Kapitan Felix Oca and support boat ML Chowee.At the center of the initiative is the jetski activity, where volunteers will carry Philippine flags in a symbolic assertion of the country’s rights within its exclusive economic zone.Atin Ito leaders said the move builds on previous missions and reflects a deliberate effort to “step up” civilian presence in contested waters.“Kaya nagsama-sama iba&#x27;t ibang civic organizations kasama na po diyan ng AKBAYAN at PRRM. Ngayon we have more artists na nire-representa ng Moro Beats at mga kabataan na ang vision siguraduhin at i-regularize ang civilian access sa West Philippine Sea,” said Rafaela “Paeng” David, co-convenor of Atin Ito coalition.“Kaya noong 2023, noong tayo po ay nagsimula, nagkaroon na tayo ng several missions. The first one being a Christmas civilian supply mission sa Ayungin Shoal kung saan nag-treat tayo ng mga regalo para sa mga frontliners at doon sa vicinity ng Ayungin Shoal,” she added.The jetski ride also carries political undertones, echoing an unfulfilled campaign promise from former President Rodrigo Duterte. Organizers framed the activity as a civilian effort to fulfill that symbolic commitment.“Ang isang key highlight po ng ating mission ay tayo po ay mag-jet ski sa Pag-asa Island, kasi may nangako na po kasi ilang taon na ago. E’ kung ‘di pa po nagagawa hanggang ngayon, tayo na po ang tutupad sa pangako yan,” David said.Beyond the jetski demonstration, the mission will include supply distribution, a medical outreach, fisherfolk dialogues, and what organizers describe as the first-ever island concert in Pag-asa, featuring Filipino artists. Participants will also attempt to form a large “Atin Ito” human formation visible from aerial footage, aimed at sending a message to Beijing.Retired Rear Admiral Rommel Jude Ong underscored the broader strategic context of the mission, particularly in relation to the country’s energy security and ongoing tensions with China.“If we in the civil society can actually do things like this dapat sila kaya din one of the critical nexus ng ginagawa natin is iyong Reed Bank it should have been explored years ago. Kasi iyong Malampaya gas to power project is supposed to expire iyong resource na iyon by 2027,” Ong said.“So, we have this oil crisis, and now we are being forced to do a joint development discussion with China, when in fact, sila iyong nag-prevent sa atin to actually develop Reed Bank,” he added.He added that the mission is also a call for the government to assert political will in defending Philippine interests.“So, what we&#x27;re trying to say is for government, do your job. We need to explore that site already kasi iyong energy security natin iyong nakataya,” Ong said.Coalition leaders framed the mission within key national and regional milestones, including the 10th anniversary of the Philippines’ 2016 arbitral victory under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the country’s chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).They also stressed the importance of sustained civilian engagement in countering disinformation and reinforcing the country’s legal and moral claims in the WPS.“Napakahalaga that our government ensures that they protect that victory and huwag ibibigay kapag halimbawa nasa gitna ng krisis, mapipilitang makipag-usap sa China,” David said.The mission will depart from Manila on April 30, with a send-off event scheduled at the Port of Manila, and is expected to reach Pag-asa Island by May 2. Participants will stay overnight before returning to Manila on May 5.Organizers emphasized that the initiative is not a one-off effort but part of a sustained campaign to “civilianize” the West Philippine Sea, asserting that ordinary Filipinos have a role to play in defending the country’s maritime rights.

Civilian coalition Atin Ito is set to mount a “patriotic jetski flag ride” in waters off Pag-asa Island as part of its fourth civilian-led mission to the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Civilian coalition Atin Ito is set to mount a “patriotic jetski flag ride” in waters off Pag-asa Island as part of its fourth civilian-led mission to the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

‘Tayo na ang tutupad’: Civilians to stage jetski flag ride in 4th WPS mission

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‘Tayo na ang tutupad’: Civilians to stage jetski flag ride in 4th WPS mission

Francis Orcio,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 28, 2026 01:01 AM PHT

Read More:

West Philippine Sea

Atin Ito Coalition

Philippines

China

Exclusive Economic Zone

Rodrigo Duterte

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