Manila: The Atin Ito Coalition announced on Monday it would hold a "peace and solidarity sea concert" for its third mission in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). In a statement, the group said the activity set on the last week of May aims to unite fisherfolk, artists, and advocates - both national and international - in a powerful call for peace, unity, and solidarity.
According to Philippines News Agency, Akbayan Partylist president and Atin Ito co-convenor Rafaela David emphasized, "We are setting sail with a message of peace and solidarity through music." She further highlighted the power of art and collective action in advocating for rightful claims, stating that the initiative will utilize music and solidarity as tools rather than weapons of war.
The event was formally launched in a press conference on Monday, attended by key figures in the defense of the WPS, including former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, Atin Ito co-convenor Edicio Dela Torre, Kiko Aquino Dee, retired Rear Admiral Rommel Jude Ong, and David. Renowned artist Noel Cabangon and all-women rock group Rouge pledged their support, underscoring music's role in raising awareness and mobilizing public action. Additionally, Japanese artist Fumiya Sankai, known as 'Fumi,' expressed his support through a video message, amplifying the campaign's international reach.
The "Peace and Solidarity Sea Concert" will serve as both a symbolic and cultural assertion of the Philippines' sovereignty, rights as a nation, and territorial integrity. The mission aims to bring together fisherfolk, artists, and civil society groups from ASEAN nations to promote regional peace and cooperation while opposing foreign aggression.
David stated, "We will restore peace, solidarity, and cooperation in the region - values that have long bound our nations together, especially among our fisherfolk. These were callously undermined when China unilaterally imposed its baseless claims, resorting to aggression and violence to illegally assert control over waters."
Cabangon echoed David's remarks, affirming that musicians and other artists have a role in shaping national and international consciousness. "Music has always been a form of resistance. Through our songs, we will stand with our fisherfolk and frontliners and remind the world that the WPS is ours," he added.
The third Atin Ito mission builds upon the success of its previous civilian-led expeditions in 2023 and 2024, which provided essential aid to fisherfolk while asserting the Philippines' rightful claim over its territorial waters.
