The Atin Ito Coalition has completed the first-ever sea concert for peace in the West Philippine Sea, “marking another historic milestone in its ongoing civilian missions.”
The coalition said the event aimed to promote innovative and peaceful means to normalize civilian activities in the area, asserting the Philippines’ sovereign rights and territorial integrity.
“Mission accomplished! This is a moment of triumph not just for our mission, but for every Filipino who dreams of peace and justice in our seas. We made history today by holding the very first sea concert deep in the West Philippine Sea, just two nautical miles from Pag-asa Island. Despite being shadowed by Chinese marine vessels, we stood our ground. Our artists sang not just to entertain, but to resist, to unite, and to inspire,” Atin Ito co-convenor and Akbayan Partylist president Rafaela David said.
“This concert is more than a musical event. It is a reminder that art, music, and culture are potent tools of resistance. Through music, we forged solidarity across nations and declared to the world that our seas must be zones of peace, not arenas of conflict,” she added.
As the group, composed of volunteers and artists, sailed toward Pag-asa Island aboard TS Kapitan Felix Oca, a flotilla of small Filipino fishing boats welcomed them in a show of unity and solidarity.
Upon reaching their destination, however, rain began to fall, prompting the group to stage the concert inside the vessel—on the bridge overlooking Pag-asa Island—with artists delivering their music.
The group also dodged constant shadowing by China Coast Guard vessels during the voyage.
The sail also marked the National Flag Day celebration with a symbolic flag-raising ceremony aboard the ship, honoring the Philippine flag just a short distance from Pag-asa Island, serving as a solemn and patriotic assertion of the nation’s presence in its own waters.
Additionally, the mission distributed 22 containers of fuel, 10 liters each, to local fishermen.
Meanwhile, Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) President and Atin Ito co-convenor Edicio Dela Torre expressed gratitude to the volunteers, artists, crew, and co-organizers who made the mission possible.
“Humahanga kami sa dedikasyon at tapang ng bawat isa. We knew the challenges when we set sail, but we moved forward because we believe that our cause is just. Together, we showed that even against powerful forces, the collective will of the Filipino people is stronger,” Dela Torre said.
