AKBAYAN Party President Rafaela David, ATIN ITO Co-convenor, regarding Christmas Convoy to the West Philippine Sea condemned the recent events at Ayungin Shoal, where a Chinese Coast Guard vessel today deployed water cannons on a Philippine resupply convoy and collided with civilian ships Unaizah Mae 1 and M/L Kalayaan, causing significant engine damage to the latter.
David said ATIN ITO vehemently deplores the water cannon attack perpetrated against the Philippine supply mission on the international celebration of Human Rights Day.
“This aggressive act, carried out by a Chinese Coast Guard vessel, not only endangers the safety of our civilian supply mission but also runs counter to the principles of human rights that the international community upholds, and our rightful claims to the West Philippine Sea,” David added.
In response to the latest incident, the Christmas convoy organized by ATIN ITO will alter its original route.
Instead of going first to Ayungin Shoal, it will proceed directly to Lawak and Patag Islands. The planned donation drop-offs for the benefit of West Philippine Sea fishers and frontliners will then proceed as scheduled from there.
Upon reaching Lawak Island, the ATIN ITO contingent will conduct a thorough assessment of the situation, with the intention to still pass through the general vicinity of Ayungin Shoal before concluding the journey back to El Nido. It is important to note that, in accordance with the exisiting guidelines established by the National Security Council (NSC), ATIN ITO’s Christmas Convoy maintains the necessary permissions to traverse the general vicinity of Ayungin Shoal.
“Despite the recent developments, the spirits of ATIN ITO’s contingent remain high, and safety measures are diligently upheld,” said Akbayan president.
