By Marie Manalili

PALAWAN--Atin Ito Coalition's third civilian-led mission “Sea Concert for Solidarity and Peace” near Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea is " an invitation for peace among our neighboring countries including China" amid the recent incident between two Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels and Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels.

"What happened to the BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) vessels only shows the importance of civilian actions such as this because all the more we need to show China that we will not give up. We will just continue what we are doing and we will strengthen our resolve in making sure that we have a successful peace concert at sea", Atin Ito convener Rafaela David said in a press conference in Palawan on Monday.

David said that the musical event near Pag-asa island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) set on Wednesday morning will push through despite possible presence of Chinese vessels in the area.

"We expect that of course just in the first and second mission there may be shadowing, possibly a radio challenge, but it is clear that we are the ones who deserve to be there, so we will continue. So (as) long as our assessment is still safe and secure, we will still proceed as planned in conducting concerts at sea on Pagasa Island or in our exclusive economic zone (EEZ)", David added.

The Atin Ito Coalition began its civilian-led mission with its sunset musical send-off event aboard T/S Kapitan Felix Oca off the coast of El Nido, Palawan. It was attended by around 200 persons

The send-off concert featured performers, including Japanese artist Fumi, renowned artists Noel Cabangon and an all-women rock group Rouge, and rap collective Morobeats.

Also among the performers are P-pop group based in South Korea HORI7ON., Indonesian and Malaysian musicians Viona and Kai Mata, and South Korean K-pop girl group I:Mond. DMS