Another mission accomplished for volunteers to Deep Sea Concert in the West Philippine Sea
Despite feeling exhausted from a weeklong mission that culminated in the civilian-led "Concert at Sea for Peace and Solidarity" organized by the Atin Ito Coalition in the last week of May, SK JV Galigao, a youth leader from Mindoro Island, Philippines, is grateful for gaining insight into the plight of fishers.
He has a more profound understanding of asserting sovereignty through peaceful and creative means in the West Philippine Sea.
The broad civil society coalition was formed in 2023 and composed of organizations such as the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM), Akbayan Party, PAKISAMA, the New Masinloc Fishermen Association, Akbayan Youth, and the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (PKSK), among others.
It is widely recognized for organizing the only direct civilian-led resupply missions to the West Philippine Sea—first near Ayungin Shoal in December 2023, and later near Panatag Shoal in May 2024.
“I have been aware of the issue; I would cry over the harassment of fishers and intimidation of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in the Kalayaan," Galigao said in a radio interview on Media Spirit Care on DZSB 104.1 Spirit FM on May 31, National Fisherfolks Day.
"After the exhausting midterm elections on May 12, I had the chance to volunteer for this third mission, so I grabbed the opportunity,“ he added.
The first sea concert took place deep in the West Philippine Sea
The mission organizers, in their social media posts, said through music and peaceful means, “The coalition continues to normalize civilian activities in the area, asserting the Philippines’ sovereign rights and territorial integrity.”
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration issued a decision confirming that the Philippines has sovereign rights over its 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea, despite China's claims.
When M/V Kapitan Felix Oca, carrying Atin Ito volunteers and artists, approached Pag-asa Island, it was warmly greeted by a flotilla of small Filipino fishing boats in a show of unity and solidarity.
The Filipino fishing boats maintained their position despite the tense and shadowy presence of the Chinese vessel. The sea concert showcased powerful performances from the Filipino rap collective Morobeats, the South Korean pop group I: Mond, the P-pop sensation Hori7on, and regional artists Kai Mata from Indonesia and Viona from Malaysia.
“Our artists sang not just to entertain, but to resist, to unite, and to inspire,” said Rafaela “Paeng” David, Atin Ito co-convenor and president of Akbayan Party.
She added, "This concert is more than just a musical event." It is a reminder that art, music, and culture are potent tools of resistance. Through music, we created solidarity among nations and proclaimed to the world that our seas should be zones of peace rather than arenas of conflict.
Galigao said the Holy Mass being held onboard at the outset made him feel like the mission was not only guided by the Coast Guard but, more so, by the Spirit—an important ingredient for success for every Filipino dreaming of peace and justice in our seas.
Moving Moments
The concert served as the highlight of the mission, following a sunset send-off concert that took place days earlier near El Nido, Palawan, the southwestern island of the Philippines.
Galigao expressed that he felt proudest as a Filipino during the symbolic and solemn flag-raising ceremony held on board the ship, which took place at a short distance from Pag-asa Island while asserting the country’s presence in its waters.
The civilian mission also provided vital support to the fisherfolk stationed in Pag-asa by distributing 22 containers of fuel, each containing 10 liters, to them. “This may seem small, but in these contested waters, every drop is a declaration of support, and every delivery is an act of courage,” David said.
As one of the volunteers, Galigao assisted nurses, doctors, artists, and other individuals“. In addition to that, exchanging stories with fellow volunteers and sharing our aspirations for the country, as well as our fears—including those concerning our families due to the potential aggression from China—were cherished moments.
Edicio Dela Torre, president of the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM), and Atin Ito expressed deep gratitude to everyone who made the mission possible.
“We admire the dedication and courage of each one. We were aware of the challenges ahead when we embarked, yet we persevered due to our conviction that our cause was just. Together, we demonstrated that the collective will of the Filipino people is stronger, even when faced with powerful forces," he said.
“We also appreciate the efforts of the Philippine government, particularly the Coast Guard and Philippine Navy, who accompanied us and ensured our safety,” said Galigao.
Like the others, Galigao said they would continue to educate as many as possible, especially among students, through caravans to Sangguniang Kabataan, where he has influence, lobbying for integrating awareness of the West Philippine Sea into the education curriculum, and bearing in mind a legacy for future generations.
“Not everyone can go to the West Philippine Sea. I just had the privilege. In this digital age, one does not need to be at sea. Even in our homes, we can utilize the power of social media. Let us take the lead in sharing accurate information, aiming not to create division but to foster meaningful discourse, where we can demonstrate our commitment to sovereignty.
