The civilian-led “Christmas convoy” to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) faced obstacles as Chinese ships gathered in the contested area just days before the convoy set sail. The National Security Council (NSC) requested that the convoy bypass the Philippine outpost aboard the BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal. Additionally, Chinese vessels were spotted near Mischief (Panganiban Reef), even though it was not part of the convoy’s original itinerary.
For security reasons, the NSC did not grant permission for the group, known as “Atin Ito” (This is ours), to deliver gifts and donations to the Filipino troops stationed on Sierra Madre. However, the NSC did allow the convoy to visit Pag-asa Island to hand over supplies that would later be delivered to the troops in Sierra Madre during the next rotation and resupply mission.
The supplies included noche buena packs, solar lamps, rice, canned goods, hygiene kits, gadgets, and toys. These items were intended to bring holiday cheer to the military troops stationed in the West Philippine Sea.
According to Ray Powell, a United States-based security expert and head of Project Myoushu at Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation and SeaLight, there was evidence that the China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia were aware of the Philippine resupply mission. Powell reported that eight of China’s large Qiong Sansha Yu militia ships sailed in from stations 130-300 kilometers away to the Chinese Panganiban Reef military base. This gathering was described as “one of the largest concentrations of force ever observed,” located 40 kilometers away from Ayungin.
There were a total of 27 ships of this type in the Panganiban Reef-Ayungin Shoal area, along with at least two large CCG vessels (5305 and 5402) that were frequently observed participating in blockade activities. Additionally, four large People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessels and three smaller CCG ships were anchored along the pier at Panganiban.
The convoy began its journey from Manila to El Nido in Palawan on Friday. Organizers stated that the initial group of 40 volunteers would be joined by others once they reached Palawan. The convoy is expected to pass through the general vicinity of Ayungin Shoal on its way to other selected Philippine-occupied features in the West Philippine Sea.
Despite the incident at Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough), Edicio de la Torre, convenor of the Atin Ito campaign, confirmed that the convoy would proceed as planned. De la Torre stated that the Bajo de Masinloc incident would not directly impact their voyage. He emphasized that the convoy would be guided by the Coast Guard’s assessment of any risks or threats and how they should respond.
In a show of solidarity, members of the Palawan Patriots for Peace and Progress, a multi-sectoral alliance in Palawan, will join the Christmas convoy to the West Philippine Sea on December 10. The group consists of individuals from Palawan’s 3rd district, including members of the academe and organizations focused on environmental protection and youth empowerment. Their goal is to uphold Philippine interests in the West Philippine Sea and exercise the country’s sovereign rights over the waters and the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Despite the challenges posed by the presence of Chinese ships, the Christmas convoy remains determined to bring holiday cheer to the Filipino troops stationed in the West Philippine Sea. The convoy not only symbolizes the spirit of giving during the holiday season but also serves as a reminder of the Philippines’ commitment to protecting its territorial integrity and asserting its rights in the contested region.
Source: The Manila Times
