Christmas convoy begins crucial phase of journey

MANILA, Philippines — ON BOARD M/V KAPITAN FELIX OCA – Hours after arriving from Manila, this ship left the San Fernando Port in El Nido, Palawan after midnight last night to lead a convoy of some 30 fishing vessels in what could be the most challenging part of their voyage to Ayungin Shoal and two remote island communities in the West Philippine Sea to deliver Christmas goodies under the shadow of Chinese coast guard and militia.

The fishing boats, adorned with Christmas lights, trailed the Felix Oca as they navigated in darkness through the treacherous waters of the West Philippine Sea – escorted by three Philippine Coast Guard ships – toward Ayungin Shoal, their first destination.

The fishing boats would break from the group at first light, based on plans, with Felix Oca, supply boat M/L Chowee and the PCG vessel left to complete the journey.

The Christmas convoy, organized by the Atin Ito Coalition, is expected to reach Ayungin Shoal at 8 a.m. tomorrow.

Organizers of the convoy had been prevailed upon not to visit the military outpost on BRP Sierra Madre in the vicinity. Instead, it would just sail around the shoal.

Atin Ito Coalition had originally intended to bring food and other Christmas gifts to soldiers stationed on the old warship but abandoned the plan on advice from the National Security Council and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

From Ayungin, the convoy would proceed to Lawak Island where volunteers would unload donations for residents and later to Patag Island. The journey back to San Fernando Port is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. The convoy is expected to reach El Nido on Tuesday.

Harassment from Chinese coast guard and militia vessels loomed large in the Ayungin Shoal leg of the voyage. In October, the Chinese attempted at least three times to stop Philippines vessels from delivering supplies to the Sierra Madre, firing water cannon and making dangerous maneuvers.

The international community condemned the Chinese provocations.

China is claiming ownership of almost the entire South China Sea despite the 2016 Arbitral Award ruling invalidating such claims.

Atin Ito Coalition said its Christmas convoy aims to bring cheer to soldiers and residents of some islands in the West Philippine Sea while also upholding Philippine sovereignty and rights inside the country’s 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.

Sen. Francis Tolentino, meanwhile, has asked for prayers for the safety and success of the caravan.

In his dzRH program, Tolentino talked to Atin Ito co-convenor Edicio dela Torre and PCG spokesman Rear Admiral Armand Balilo about the preparations to secure the convoy.

The senator said prayers would work miracles for the convoy, especially as the country had just commemorated the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Friday.

“Let us include in our prayers the safety of our kababayan for their trip,” Tolentino said in Filipino.

“We need to pray for good weather, and for our frontliners who are there,” added Dela Torre in Filipino.

“I hope China does not spoil our Christmas,” Tolentino said.  –  Marc Jayson Cayabyab