The National Security Council (NSC) disapproved Atin Ito! coalition's planned Christmas convoy civilian supply mission to BRP Sierra Madre that is grounded in Ayungin Shoal, citing the "heightened tensions between the Philippines and China."
"The National Security does not support the planned Christmas Convoy to BRP Sierra Madre (LS 57) in Ayungin Shoal or any similar undertaking to the said shoal. While we support, in principle, the intent of the "Atin Ito" coalition to bring holiday cheer to our WPS front liners, undertaking such as convoy to Ayungin Shoal at this time of heightened tensions between the Philippines and China is ill-advised," NSC spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said in a statement posted on its official Facebook page on Tuesday, Nov. 21.
Malaya advised the collision to visit other Philippine-occupied features, including Lawak Island, Kota Island, Likas Island, Pag-asa Island, Parola Island, Patana Island, Patag Island, and Rizal Reef.
He said there are Philippine troops and civilians in the aforementioned areas who also "deserve Christmas goodies and donations from the public."
The NSC spokesperson said Atin Ito! coalition can also turn over the Christmas donations to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard and they "will gladly bring the donated supplies to BRP Sierra Madre during the routine rotation and resupply missions [RORE]."
"Our troops in Ayungin Shoal are well supplied by the Philippine Navy-AFP supported by the Philippine Coast Guard through the regular RORE missions. There is, therefore, no need for a civilian Christmas convoy at this time," he furthered.
In a press conference on Monday, Nov. 20, Atin Ito! colation announced that it will push through a civilian convoy mission to the West Philippine Sea in a bid to honor fisherfolks and front liners and assert the Philippine sovereign rights.
It also bared other programs such as Christmas fund-drive concert "Atin Ito Concert" and donation drive.
Atin Ito! colation is composed of Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement, Center for Agrarian Reform Empowerment & Transformation, Inc. (CARET), Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Samahan sa Kanayunan, Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka (Pakisama), Team Manila Lifestyle, Concerned artists, Akbayan Party, and Akbayan Youth.
