At least two senators and seven House members will attend a dialogue with fisherfolk, frontliners, local officials and students on West Philippine Sea issues in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, on Monday. The event, organized by the Atin Ito Coalition behind three civilian supply missions to the area, aims to discuss national sovereignty, livelihoods and regional security.
The 'Pulong Bayan' dialogue, set for Monday in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, is organized by the Atin Ito Coalition, an umbrella group of civil-society organizations that led three historic civilian supply missions to the West Philippine Sea and plans a fourth next month. Attendees include Senators Erwin Tulfo and Francis Pangilinan (via remote), along with Representatives Antolin Aquino Oreta (Malabon), Gil Acosta (Puerto Princesa 3rd District), Jose Manuel Alba (Bukidnon 1st District), Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, Dadah Kiram Ismula (Akbayan) and Franz Legaspi (Pinoy Workers). Lawmakers from both majority and minority blocs in Congress have committed to the event, which seeks multisectoral discussions on national sovereignty, livelihoods and regional security. Other participants comprise officials from Kalayaan municipality—known as the 'Kalayaan 16'—Puerto Princesa local leaders, fisherfolk group heads, student organizations, and representatives from the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Navy. Atin Ito co-convenor Rafaela David stated, “We are very encouraged by our lawmakers’ show of unity and solidarity in crossing party lines to support the cause of the West Philippine Sea.” Amid ongoing West Philippine Sea tensions, including the Chinese embassy's admission that China Coast Guard vessels drove away eight Philippine fishing boats from Panatag Shoal on March 17 and a Chinese warship's fire control radar lock-on against BRP Miguel Malvar on March 7 at Escoda Shoal.