The civilian group 'Atin Ito' will conduct a jetski flag ride off Pag-asa Island as part of its fourth mission supporting Philippine sovereignty and civilian presence in territorial waters.
The Atin Ito Coalition, a civilian volunteer group in the Philippines, has announced it will hold a jetski flag ride near Pag-asa Island, part of the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea. This event is scheduled from April 30 to May 5, 2026, and marks the coalition’s fourth civilian mission aimed at asserting Philippine sovereignty and promoting civilian access to the disputed waters.
Led by Akbayan Representative Dadah Kiram Ismula and youth volunteers, the participants will ride jetskis while waving Philippine flags as a peaceful demonstration of presence in what they consider sovereign Philippine territory. The mission commander, Rafaela David, emphasized the importance of regularly permitting ordinary Filipino citizens to access Pag-asa Island, promoting a sustained civilian presence in the area.
The coalition also plans to conduct the first-ever island concert on Pag-asa Island and deliver fuel and food assistance to local fishing communities affected by rising fuel prices. Safety measures will be rigorously observed to ensure volunteer security during the mission.
The main vessel for the mission will be the MV Kapitan Felix Oca, carrying over 200 participants including volunteers, media personnel, fisherfolk leaders, and artists. The ML Chowee support vessel, used in a previous mission in 2023, will also accompany the group.
Pag-asa Island is the largest and most developed in the Kalayaan Island Group, which is recognized as part of Palawan province, Philippines. The area remains a focal point in ongoing territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea region.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/985454/atin-ito-jetski-ride-pag-asa-island/story/
