Coalition delivers supplies to WPS in support of sovereignty

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — The Atin Ito Coalition, comprising Rise Against Hunger, Las Piñas Horton Eagles Club, and the National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea (NYMWPS), has joined forces to provide crucial supplies to government troops, fisherfolks, and local communities in Kalayaan town in the West Philippine Sea from 11 to 18 December.

Their mission involved delivering packages containing Noche Buena items, rice, soya, and Jollibee Chicken Joy meals, with the goal of meeting the recipients' needs during the holiday season, Western Command (Wescom) spokesperson Commander Ariel Joseph Coloma said Tuesday.

Established in October, the Atin Ito Coalition embarked on its inaugural journey to the West Philippine Sea, demonstrating support for the nation's territorial claims in the region. Rise Against Hunger, a hunger relief organization, contributed essential food items to support this cause.

Coloma said the Las Piñas Horton Eagles Club pledged ongoing assistance to the Kalayaan municipality through their "Adopt a Classroom" program, ensuring support beyond the holiday season.

In partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the NYMWPS provided food packs to troops stationed in the area, including those aboard the BRP Sierra Madre (LS57) in Ayungin Shoal.

Around 1,000 kilograms of food supplies were allocated to all nine geographical locations controlled by the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea. The distribution was organized in collaboration with the maritime and territorial monitoring efforts of government troops stationed in the Wescom operational zone, making use of both Philippine Navy ships and Philippine Air Force (PAF) aircraft.

Kalayaan Mayor Roberto Del Mundo expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the continuous support and care shown by various organizations to Kalayaan.

"I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the different organizations that continue to demonstrate their compassion and support for Kalayaan. Your assistance and unity strengthen our frontline soldiers, fishermen, and local communities in the West Philippine Sea. Thank you for coming together to bring light, hope, and care during the Christmas season," Del Mundo said.

Wescom also commended these efforts, which have increased the involvement of more Filipinos in the cause of upholding the Philippines' sovereignty in the WPS.

"More and more Filipinos are now getting involved in this noble cause of upholding our sovereignty and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea. Together, let us unite to protect what is rightfully ours. West Philippine Sea, 'Atin Ito!," Wescom said, meanwhile, in a statement.