Phl military welcomes civic missions in WPS

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday expressed support for all civic organizations that seek to show solidarity with the government’s position on the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“The Armed Forces welcomes all civic groups that would like to show support to the stand of the government in the WPS. Actions like this, like a group sail, the third organized by the particular group, is very much welcome, provided that they get the right coordination with the appropriate government agency,” Philippine Navy spokesperson for the WPS, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, said in a press briefing at Navy headquarters in Manila.

“The Philippine Navy, the Armed Forces, to include other government agencies, are always ready to support them in their endeavor and to provide assistance if and when necessary,” he added.

On Monday, the Atin Ito Coalition announced plans to conduct another civilian mission in the WPS on 25 May. The same group previously carried out two civilian missions in the WPS in December 2023 and May 2024.

When asked whether the Philippine military would provide a close escort for the civilian mission, Trinidad said the decision would be made on a case-by-case basis.

“The presence of the AFP, the Philippine Navy in the WPS is based on the patrol plans of Northern Luzon Command and Western Command. In the event of specific details like particular requests for escorts by different civic society groups, this will be taken up on a case-to-case basis,” he explained.

He added that it would be ideal for the civilian mission to coincide with scheduled maritime patrols.

“In the event that this will coincide with the different patrol plans, then it will be good to have them at the same time, on the same day,” he said.

Atin Ito co-convenor and Akbayan party-list president Rafaela David said the mission would also deliver a strong message of unity through peace concerts at sea.

“We are setting sail with a message of peace and solidarity through music. Through the power of art and collective action, we will fight for what is rightfully ours — not with weapons of war, but with the unyielding force of music and solidarity,” David said.

"We will restore peace, solidarity, and cooperation in the region — values that have long bound our nations together, especially among our fisherfolk. These were callously undermined when China unilaterally imposed its baseless claims, resorting to aggression and violence to illegally assert control over waters,” she added.