Fisherfolk on small bancas join volunteers from the Atin Ito Coalition and members of the media as they prepare to depart from Matalbis Port in Masinloc, Zambales, for the second civilian resupply mission to the West Philippine Sea on May 16, 2024. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The "Atin Ito" Coalition is set to embark on their third civilian mission on the West Philippine Sea in the last week of May, the group announced Monday.

They will be holding the first ever musical concert within the Philippines's exclusive economic zone to "harness the power of music for peace and solidarity."

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This is the group's third civilian convoy, after their maiden voyage to the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal in December 2023, and the second mission to the vicinity of the Scarborough Shoal last May 2024.

"Maglalayag tayo muli bitbit ang mensahe ng kapayapaan at pagkakaisa with the powerful use of music and through the power of art and collective action," said Rafaela David, Atin Ito co-convenor and civilian commander of the past two missions.

(We will once again set sail to the West Philippine Sea while bringing the message of peace and unity with the powerful use of music through the power of art and collective action.)

"We will fight for what is rightfully ours. Ang gamit natin hindi sandata or weapons of war. Ang gamit natin ay the unyielding force of music and solidarity. Yung pagkakaisa natin sa pamamagitan ng musika," David added.

(We are not using weapons of war, but instead, the unyielding force of music and solidarity. We will be united with music.)

For security purposes, the coalition did not disclose their target location and routes but hinted that they will be going to the "heart of Kalayaan Island Group."

More than a hundred volunteers including artists are expected to join the mission which will last for around three days.

Among those who confirmed participation is renowned folk singer Noel Cabangon and the girl group Rouge Band. 

Artists from Southeast Asia and Japan are also expected to join the mission, as this will be a 'showcase of solidarity among peace-loving nations.' 

SUPPORT FROM FISHERMEN 

Fishermen from Masinloc, Zambales said they have been more "empowered" to sail in the West Philippine Sea because of the mission.

Group 'Atin Ito' to hold 2nd West PH Sea mission

Leonardo Cuaresma, president of the New Masinloc Fishermen Association, said that because of the mission, they started feeling that the country is behind them.

"Sa amin po, malaki ang naipamalas ng Atin Ito Coalition dahil dati desperado na kami sa mga pangyayari sa ginagawa ng China Coast Guard samin, nakakaranas kami ng pambubully," said Leonardo Cuaresma, President of the New Masinloc Fishermen Association. 

(We used to just be so desperate with the bullying done by the Chinese Coast Guard.)

Hundreds of local fishermen from Masinloc joined the second mission to the vicinity of the Scarborough Shoal.

"Naipakita ng Atin Ito Coalition yung buong tapang bakit kami bilang mangingisda ay lumakas ang loob. Dati rati, akala namin, wala na kami kakampi," he said.

(The Atin Ito Coalition has made us feel more courageous. We didn't feel helpless anymore.)

The West Philippine Sea solidarity concert is expected to happen aboard the ship, which is tentatively scheduled to begin the mission on May 25.

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