SUBIC, Zambales — Members of the Atin Ito Coalition join hundreds of fisherfolk from Zambales in a symbolic sea activity on Sunday to jumpstart the weeklong commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Philippines’ landmark 2016 Arbitral Ruling on the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Nearly 80 fishing boats formed a giant Philippine flag and the words “WPS, ATIN ITO!” on the waters off Subic Bay in a vibrant display of national pride.
Atin ito means “this is ours” in Filipino.
Approximately 250 fisherfolk participated in the activity, which also served as a renewed call for the government to officially declare July 12 as National West Philippine Sea Victory Day.
The activity was organized in partnership with the New Masinloc Fishermen Association, the Subic Commercial Fishers Association, and the Samahan ng Cabangaan-3 Fishermen’s Unity.
While celebrating the historic legal victory, participants also reaffirmed their peaceful yet resolute stand against the continuing harassment and aggression by Chinese marine forces in their traditional fishing grounds.
The fight is not yet over
“The success of the arbitral ruling is important, but the fight is not yet over. As long as China’s interference and aggression in our waters continue, we will stand firm and fight for our rights,” said Leonardo “Ka Nards” Cuaresma, president of the New Masinloc Fishermen Association.
Atin Ito co-convenor Rafaela David, meanwhile, called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to issue an executive order declaring July 12 as the National West Philippine Sea Victory Day.
David said the necessity of institutionalizing the commemoration of this diplomatic triumph to honor the fisherfolk and frontliners who continue to defend the nation’s maritime rights.
“July 12 is more than a date in our history. It is a reminder that truth, international law, and the courage of the Filipino people prevailed,” said David, who also serves as president of Akbayan Party.
“Declaring it as National West Philippine Sea Victory Day will help preserve this victory in our national memory, strengthen public awareness and education, and ensure that future generations are equipped to reject disinformation and defend what is rightfully ours.”
Weeklong commemoration
Sunday’s activity marked the beginning of a weeklong commemoration, which will culminate on July 12.
On July 10, the coalition will participate in a forum organized by the Stratbase Institute, joining diplomats, legal luminaries, government leaders and journalists.
On July 12, Atin Ito leaders will join a West Philippine Sea parade in Puerto Princesa alongside the provincial government of Palawan and the people of the Municipality of Kalayaan.
Throughout the week, the coalition will also recognize local government units that have passed resolutions declaring July 12 as West Philippine Sea Victory Day.
The 2016 Arbitral Ruling
The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled on July 12, 2016, in favor of the Philippines’ maritime entitlements in the West Philippine Sea, declaring China’s nine-dash line claim invalid under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos).
The ruling affirmed the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone rights and rejected China’s historical rights claim over the area.