MANILA, Philippines — A Chinese Coast Guard vessel was spotted in the waters off Mindoro on Friday morning as the Atin Ito mission ship, M/V Kapitan Felix Oca, headed toward Pag-asa Island for its fourth civilian mission.
Atin Ito spokesperson Emman Hizon reported that at around 7:20 a.m., a China Coast Guard vessel bearing bow number 3103 was observed approximately 3.2 nautical miles from the Philippine civilian mission ship, M/V Kapitan Felix Oca.
At the time of monitoring, the mission vessel was about 90 nautical miles from Manila and roughly 60 nautical miles west of Mindoro when the Chinese vessel was detected nearby.
In an interview with reporters, Rafaela “Paeng” David, the civilian commander of Atin Ito, said in Filipino, “it’s a bit worrying, we’re only 60 nautical miles west of Mindoro, so that means we are well within our exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and yet we are being escorted by the Chinese Coast Guard.”
Earlier, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it would help secure the safe passage of the civilian-led mission to Pag-asa Island by providing monitoring and coordination support as it sails through the West Philippine Sea.
READ: AFP to ensure safe passage for Atin Ito civilian mission to Pag-asa
Set for April 30 to May 5, the mission aims to deliver food and fuel supplies, conduct medical outreach, and stage a community concert.
Organizers also intend to hold a jet ski flag ride, which they described as a peaceful demonstration of the Philippines’ sovereignty and territorial rights in the area. /jpv
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