Christmas convoy coalition to follow PCG rules amid recent Chinese aggression in WPS

The coalition group set to conduct a civilian-led Christmas convoy to the West Philippine Sea said they would adhere to the advice and sailing guidelines of the Philippine Coast Guard to avoid any confrontation with Chinese vessels during the activity

In a radio interview on Saturday, ATIN ITO Coalition co-convenor Rafaela David underscored that their endeavor is not intended to provoke any tension in the WPS.

"We will try to make sure na kapag sa tingin natin na medyo delikado na, makikinig tayo sa PCG. Hindi tayo pupunta sa mga lugar na medyo tensiyonado. Ang intensiyon ng misyon na ito ay hindi makipagpatintero. Ang goal natin ay magbigay ng Christmas cheer (We will try to make sure that if we think it is quite dangerous already, we will listen to PCG. We will not go in places that has tensions. The intention of this mission is not a block the enemy game. Our goal here is to provide Christmas cheer," David said in an interview over the Dobol B TV.

David made the commitment amid reports that a Chinese vessel reportedly fired a water cannon against the boats of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, on a mission to distribute oil and other supplies to fisherfolk in Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal.

"May mga area na kapag pinuntuhan na, isa-shadow ka na ng China. Hindi natin paabutin sa ganu'ng sitwasyon (There are areas that once you go there, China would shadow you. We will try not to reach that kind of situation)," David stressed.

The groups' Christmas convoy with 40 boats are set sail towards the general vicinity of Ayungin Shoal, Patag, and Lawak Islands from 10 to 12 December to distribute the volunteers' donations and supplies to the fisherfolks in the WPS.

The ATIN ITO coalition initially proposed bringing goods to BRP Sierra Madre inside Ayungin Shoal but the National Security Council only allowed them to pass through the vicinity waters of Ayungin Shoal amid the increasing aggression of China over the waters.

David thanked the government government letting them conduct the Christmas convoy in the WPS, saying it sends a strong message to China that "Philippines is firmly standing strong for what it ours."

She added that the coalition's activity will serve as the ordinary Filipinos' "peaceful way" to stand for the country's soverign rights over its territory and exclusive economic zone.