“The Philippines will not be intimidated: Uphold the Arbitral Award”

For the information of our Filipino people, here is the public statement of Atin Ito Coalition, a civilian-led initiative that advocates for the Philippines' sovereignty claims in the West Philippine Sea:

“We strongly condemn Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan’s remarks invoking China’s ability to use force against the Philippines and the Chinese Embassy’s dismissive response to the Filipino people’s concerns.

Such statements promote intimidation and undermine the mutual respect expected between sovereign nations.

The Philippines stands firmly on international law and the 2016 Arbitral Award, which rejected the legal basis of China’s expansive claims to historic rights within the nine-dash line insofar as they exceed the limits established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The ruling is final and legally binding on both countries. China’s refusal to accept it does not diminish its legal force or the Philippines’ maritime rights.

Fisherfolk leaders/government representatives gathered in Palawan on October 25 for a forum to discuss the challenges confronting fishing communities and identify concrete interventions to protect their livelihoods/rights/and safety amid continuing Chinese incursions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Organized by the Atin Ito Coalition, in partnership with the Center for Information Resilience and Integrity Studies (CIRIS), the Palawan Fishers’ Forum brought together local fisherfolk organizations, government agencies to discuss the concerns of fishing communities, explore available government assistance, and identify ways to strengthen support for those whose livelihoods depend on Philippine waters.

The forum came amid heightened tensions following Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan’s remarks suggesting China could easily win if it resorted to force against the Philippines. The Chinese Embassy subsequently issued threatening statements against public officials who criticized the envoy.

ATIN ITO calls on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to stand firm against Chinese aggression and hold Ambassador Jing Quan accountable for remarks that threaten our country’s sovereignty and dignity.

ATIN ITO co-convenor and Akbayan President Rafaela David said the government’s response to tensions in the West Philippine Sea must include concrete measures to protect the fishing communities directly affected by Chinese incursions.

Alvin Dizon, Cebu lead convenor of the ATIN ITO Coalition, calls on Cebu’s local governments to translate their support for the West Philippine Sea into concrete local action.

“We urge Cebu’s LGUs to move beyond statements of solidarity, take practical steps to defend our maritime rights/promote public awareness/and uphold the 2016 Arbitral Award.”

Specifically, Atin Ito Cebu calls on LGUs to:

1. Pass local council resolutions recognizing July 12 as West Philippine Sea Victory Day, affirming the significance of the 2016 Arbitral Award, and calling for respect for international law and Philippine sovereign rights;

2. Institutionalize annual commemorations every July 12 through flag ceremonies/public forums, school and community discussions and information campaigns explaining the ruling and its importance to the Filipino people.

3. Integrate West Philippine Sea education into local information programs by partnering with schools, universities, fisherfolk organizations, civil society groups, and maritime stakeholders to counter misinformation and strengthen public understanding.

4. Issue formal declarations of support for Filipino fisherfolk and maritime personnel who protect and exercise the country’s lawful rights in the West Philippine Sea.

The defense of our maritime rights is not solely the responsibility of the national government or the Philippine Coast Guard.

It is a national concern that demands the participation of local governments, civil society/schools/communities, and ordinary citizens.

Through legislation, public education, community engagement, and coordinated local action, Cebu’s LGUs can help ensure that the Arbitral Award remains alive in public consciousness and that the defense of Philippine maritime rights receives sustained public support.

The West Philippine Sea is not merely a geopolitical issue. It concerns our national dignity, the livelihood of Filipino fisherfolk, and the future of generations who deserve a country that stands firm in defending its rights.”