Atin Ito Coalition holds concert off Pagasa Island despite Chinese ships, bad weather

Despite Chinese ships shadowing them and bad weather conditions, Atin Ito Coalition successfully held a concert off the territorial waters of Pagasa Island on Wednesday as part of its third civilian mission to the West Philippine Sea.

Organizer Emman Hizon informed reporters that due to rainfall, the second part of the historic sea concert was moved inside the ship, and the coalition's M/V Kapitan Felix Oca is now heading back to Manila after completing their mission.

The convoy will continue sailing near Pagasa Island until Friday afternoon when they are expected to arrive in Manila at 4 p.m., with Chinese Coast Guard vessel 21549 shadowing them from a distance of 4.2 nautical miles.

Performers included Filipino rap collective Morobeats, South Korean pop group I:Mond, P-pop sensation Hori7on, and regional artists Kai Mata (Indonesia) and Viona (Malaysia).

A symbolic flag-raising ceremony was also conducted on board the ship to observe National Flag Day, and supplies were delivered to fisherfolk in the area.

The Philippine Coast Guard deployed two vessels to escort Atin Ito's mission, while Chinese maritime militia vessels were seen near Pagasa Island.