Atin Ito Prepares for 4th Civilian Mission to Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea
- Monne Slyvia
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Article by Monne Slyvia
Published on March 14, 2026 11:54AM
Civil Society coalition Atin Ito on 12 March announced plans to mount the 4th mission to Pag-asa Island internationally known as Thitu island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in April 2026 to deliver aid to residents and highlight concerns over maritime security and the challenges facing Filipino fisherfolk.
Co-convener of the group Rafaela David shared during a press briefing that the trip aims to address the following issues -- rising fuel prices affecting fishing communities, concerns over alleged Chinese espionage activities, and continued tensions in the WPS.
Another co-convener Edicio dela Torre said the initiative also aims to encourage civilian presence in the area. Torre said the presence of ordinary Filipino citizens such as fishers, youth, civil society leaders and volunteers is one of the most powerful ways to respond to China’s militarization of the area. He added that civilian missions demonstrate that the Philippines’ seas are not zones of secrecy or intimidation but spaces where Filipinos can freely live, travel, and work.
The planned 4th mission to Pag-asa Island by the Atin Ito coalition reflects the growing intersection of civil society activism and national security concerns in the WPS. Pag-asa, as part of the Spratly Islands, remain strategically significant due to its proximity to contested maritime zones and expanding Chinese presence in the region.
By mobilizing fisherfolk, youth, and volunteers, the coalition aims to reinforce civilian visibility in an area increasingly characterized by strategic competition between Manila and China.
Relatedly, the Atin Ito mission illustrates how non-state actors are increasingly participating in maritime domain awareness and sovereignty signaling. While such civilian-led initiatives can amplify national narratives and demonstrate public resolve, they also require careful coordination with government agencies to mitigate security risks, manage potential confrontations at sea, and ensure that humanitarian objectives do not unintentionally escalate tensions in the already volatile WPS.
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