Fishermen join the second Atin Ito-led civilian mission to Scarborough Shoal on May 16, 2024. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File 

MANILA — The Philippine Navy on Tuesday welcomed the “Atin Ito” Coalition’s planned “peace and solidarity sea concert” in the West Philippine Sea, saying it was ready to provide support and assistance if necessary.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines welcomes all civic groups that would like to show support to the stand of the government on the West Philippine Sea,” Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said.

“Actions like these, like the group sail, the third organized by the particular group, [are] very much welcome provided that they get the right coordination with the appropriate government agency,” he said in a press briefing.

“The PN and the AFP and other government agencies are always ready to support them in their endeavor and to provide assistance if and when necessary,” he added.

'Atin Ito' coalition sets 3rd civilian mission, concert in West PH Sea

The “Atin Ito” Coalition plans to return to the West Philippine Sea on May 25 to hold its first-ever musical concert within the country’s exclusive economic zone to “harness the power of music for peace and solidarity.”

But Trinidad said it would be better if the group’s civilian mission could coincide with the AFP’s scheduled patrol plans.

“The presence of the AFP and PN in the West Philippine Sea is based on the patrol plans of the Northern Luzon Command and Western Command. In the event of specific details like particular requests for escorts by civic society groups, this will be taken up on a case-to-case basis,” the official noted.

“In the event that this will coincide with the different published patrol plans, it will be good to have them at the same time on the same date,” he continued.

This is the group’s third civilian convoy. It held its maiden voyage to the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal in December 2023 and its second mission to the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc in May 2024.

Citing security reasons, the “Atin Ito” Coalition did not disclose its target location and routes, but hinted that the third civilian mission would be done at “the heart of Kalayaan Island Group.”

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