250 Zambales Fisherfolk Stage Sea Action to Mark WPS Arbitral Win 10th Anniversary

250 Zambales Fisherfolk Stage Sea Action to Mark

WPS Arbitral Win 10th Anniversary

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The Atin Ito Coalition and several other groups organized a sea action in Zambales to mark the start of a week-long commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Philippines' landmark 2016 arbitral victory on the West Philippine Sea. About 250 Zambales fisherfolk participated in the activity. The sea action was a symbolic expression of support for the country's exclusive economic zone in the disputed waters. The Philippines won the case against China in 2016, but China has yet to recognize the ruling.

The sea action was organized by the Atin Ito Coalition in partnership with the New Masinloc Fishermen Association, the Subic Commercial Fishers Association, and the Samahan ng Cabangan-3 Fishermen's Unity. About 250 fishermen arrived early Sunday morning at the shoreline in Zambales to prepare their boats for the activity. Before sunrise, they set off to the sea to stage their symbolic protest. The sea action was part of a week-long commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the 2016 arbitral victory. The Philippines won the case against China in 2016, but China has yet to recognize the ruling.

The Atin Ito Coalition is a collective of fisherfolk, youth, and civil society groups that has been pushing for a stronger stance against China's encroachment in the West Philippine Sea. The group has been organizing several activities to mark the 10th anniversary of the arbitral victory, including a sea action in Zambales. The sea action was a symbolic expression of support for the country's exclusive economic zone in the disputed waters.

A pull quote from the Atin Ito Coalition:

'We will continue to stand together as one people to defend our territory and our rights.'

• Atin Ito Coalition

The Philippines won the case against China in 2016, but China has yet to recognize the ruling. The arbitral tribunal awarded the Philippines a significant portion of the West Philippine Sea, including several reefs and islands. The ruling was seen as a major victory for the Philippines, but China has refused to recognize it. The Philippines has been pushing for a stronger stance against China's encroachment in the West Philippine Sea, including a call for China to withdraw its ships and equipment from the disputed waters.

The Atin Ito Coalition is not the only group pushing for a stronger stance against China's encroachment in the West Philippine Sea. Several other groups and individuals have also spoken out against China's actions, including a vocal call for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to take a stronger stance against China. The President has yet to comment on the recent calls for action, but the issue remains a major concern for many Filipinos.