(UPDATE) The civilian-led “Christmas convoy” to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) faced numerous challenges as it embarked on its journey to deliver gifts and donations to Filipino troops stationed in the area. The convoy, organized by a group called “Atin Ito” (This is Ours), encountered Chinese vessels massing in the contested area, which prompted the National Security Council (NSC) to request the convoy to avoid the Philippine outpost aboard the BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal.
The NSC explained that it did not permit the convoy to drop off the gifts and donations to the troops in Sierra Madre due to security concerns. However, it did allow the convoy to visit Pag-asa Island to deliver the goods, which would later be transported to Sierra Madre during the next rotation and resupply mission.
The supplies brought by the convoy included noche buena packs, solar lamps, sacks of rice, canned goods, hygiene kits, gadgets, and toys. These items were intended to bring holiday cheer to the military troops stationed around the West Philippine Sea.
According to security expert Ray Powell, there was evidence that the China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia were aware of the Philippine resupply mission. Powell, who heads Project Myoushu at Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation and SeaLight, reported that several Chinese vessels, including Qiong Sansha Yu militia ships, were observed sailing into the Chinese Panganiban Reef military base. This gathering of ships, described as “one of the largest concentrations of force ever observed,” occurred just 40 kilometers away from Ayungin Shoal.
In addition to the militia ships, there were also at least two large CCG vessels, numbered 5305 and 5402, participating in blockade activities. The presence of four People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessels and three smaller CCG ships further added to the tense situation in the area.
Despite these challenges, the Christmas convoy pushed through as planned. Edicio de la Torre, convenor of the Atin Ito campaign, emphasized that the Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough) incident would not directly affect their voyage. He stated, “The Christmas convoy is still going. We will be guided by the Coast Guard’s judgment of any risk or threat and how we should respond.”
Furthermore, members of a multi-sectoral alliance in Palawan joined the convoy to the WPS on December 10. The Palawan Patriots for Peace and Progress, along with individuals from the province’s 3rd district, took the lead. They were joined by members of the academe, environmental protection organizations, and youth empowerment groups. The purpose of their participation was to uphold Philippine interests in the WPS and exercise the country’s sovereign rights over the waters and the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The challenges faced by the Christmas convoy highlight the ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea. The presence of Chinese vessels in the contested area further underscores the need for continued dialogue and diplomatic efforts to address the territorial disputes in the region. Despite these challenges, the convoy’s determination to bring holiday cheer to the Filipino troops stationed in the area serves as a testament to the unwavering spirit and resilience of the Filipino people.
Source: The Manila Times
