The Atin Ito convoy achieved more than planned

Most Filipinos identify as part of a family, clan or community, first and foremost. Hardly do we think in terms of a nation. No surprise, our actions are typically motivated by the need to safeguard the health, finances, security and socio-political standing of our family or clan. Sometimes this extends to our geographical community (e.g. Ilocanos, Bicolanos, etc.).

A diminished sense of nationhood is the reason why our political leaders have no problem engaging in corruption. It is why many enact self-serving laws even if damaging to the majority. A few even go as far as to defend/advocate the interest of those that threaten national interest. In Philippine society, plunder, sabotage and treason are self-justified if it serves the interest of the family or the community.

They say it takes national disaster of existential proportions to unite a country. China’s illegal grab of the West Philippine Sea and its aggressive behavior towards our coast guards may just be the circumstance that bands our citizens together as a united people.

Earlier this month, a civilian-led convoy of some 40 vessels (composed mostly of youngsters and student leaders) set sail to the West Philippine Sea to assert our sovereign rights over the illegally occupied waters. Their mission? To provide gifts, donations and Christmas cheer to our brave coast guards who bear the brunt of Chinese intimidation.

The convoy was organized by the Atin Ito Coalition, principally led by the Akbayan Party.

Last October, the Atin Ito Coalition launched a nationwide billboard campaign to affirm that the Filipino is not giving up on its sovereign rights no matter how intense the intimidation from China may be. The signal was directed to both the political leaders in Beijing and the handful of Filipino politicians who defend China’s interest. These politicians are slowly but surely being exposed as the traitors and collaborators that they are. This is reflected in their steadily plummeting popularity ratings.

Despite imminent dangers, the Christmas convoy pushed through last Dec. 10. The day prior, Chinese coast guards attacked Philippine resupply vessels with water cannons and also rammed a civilian ship, the Unaizah Mae. Still, the Christmas convoy was given the green light by the National Security Council.

The group sailed from Manila to Palawan with the intention of making it to Ayungin Shoal where the BRP Sierra Madre is moored. The convoy made it to the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal before sailing to Lawak island where they dispatched their supplies. The mission was cut short due to the presence of a Chinese missile destroyer, plus three other vessels, taunting the convoy.

Why is the Christmas convoy significant? Because the example set forth by our brave youth serves as a wake-up call to all Filipinos to man-up and stand-up against China. Because the benevolent act serves as a morale booster to our frontliners. Because it brings international attention to China’s bullying tactics and exposes them as a rogue state that operates outside the parameters of international law. Because it sends a signal to Filipino traitors that their pro-China campaign is failing and that patriotism is alive and well in the hearts of the majority. Because it tells China that Filipinos are willing to risk life and limb to defend what is ours.

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Last month, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio visited the Philippines, where he met with President Marcos and addressed the joint session of Congress. Numerous agreements were discussed and/or ratified, all of which cemented the Philippines’ role as Japan’s strategic partner in quashing China’s illegal occupation of both the West Philippine and East China Seas.

PM Kishida and President Marcos reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region where all can enjoy the freedom of navigation and overflight. Both subscribe to a rules-based approach in resolving competing claims. In fact, PM Kishida complimented the Philippine government for having consistently complied with legal protocols, even amid the temptation to match China’s unlawful actions.

During the meeting, both leaders discussed the ways in which the Philippines can further build its defense capacities in light of a bilateral framework called the Official Security Assistance (OSA). One of the ways discussed was through the Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Defense Agreement (RAA). The RAA allows both countries to send troops to each other’s territories for joint training. It is the foundation for enhanced coordination of both countries’ coast guards. The RAA was signed during President Marcos’ visit to Japan for the ASEAN Commemorative Summit.

This followed the delivery of the Philippines’ first of three air surveillance radar systems from Japan. The radars were supplied under a government-to-government transaction worth $103.5 million. This is in addition to 12 vessels provided by the Japanese government to the Philippine Coast Guard.

The OSA is just one mechanism of Philippines-Japan defense cooperation. Dialogues are on-going for other avenues of working together. Among them are the Trilateral Japan-Philippines-US meetings; the Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting (“2+2”); the Vice-Ministerial Strategic Dialogue; the Political-Military Dialogue and the Military-to-Military Dialogue.

In the realm of economic development, Japan reaffirmed its commitment to support the country’s infrastructure program. Japan is the principal funder and technology provider of the Metro Manila Subway and the Dalton Pass Alternative Road. The latter is a game-changing project in Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya.

For those unaware, Japan provided the Philippines with Official Development Assistance worth $4.2 billion this year, significantly more than China.

Other agreements signed were Memorandums of Agreement relating to tourism, mining and disaster resilience.

With 67 years of diplomatic relations behind us, relations between the Philippines and Japan are now in its “golden age.” Both countries are staunch advocates of democracy, a rules-based global order, human rights and a world without nuclear weapons.

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Email: [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @aj_masigan