Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 11) — A cargo ship included in the Christmas convoy organized by a civilian group was able to go through the shadowing of Chinese vessels and successfully delivered donations to Lawak island.
“As of 5 o’clock this morning, we got news from the captain that they were able to land in Lawak Island,” ATIN ITO campaign convenor Edicio dela Torre told CNN Philippines’ The Source on Monday.
On Sunday, it was reported that the Christmas convoy organized by the group decided to abort its mission and return to El Nido, Palawan after four Chinese ships shadowed Filipino vessels. This convoy approved in November aims to bring Christmas gifts and supplies to Filipino troops.
Dela Torre clarified that the bigger T/S Kapitan Felix Oca had to turn back while the cargo ship they rented successfully completed the mission. He said the latter was carrying 30% of the donations they received.
It was also the first time for the captain of Kapitan Felix to experience such shadowing that is why he decided to be on the safer side and to return to Palawan, Dela Torre noted.
He said the group knew about the latest development since Sunday night. He said they refrained from sharing the news to prevent China from going after the cargo ship but the Chinese vessels continued shadowing T/S Kapitan Felix Oca on its way back.
The first batch of volunteers who joined the civilian groups included youth and student leaders, and fisherfolk representatives. Dela Torre said there were also two priests who conducted a mass on board.
The group is ready to launch another civilian mission despite the threats imposed by Chinese vessels.
“It’s the first of a series that’s why we want to make sure the first one has fewer dangers para hindi naman manerbyos yung sa susunod (so the next batch of volunteers will not be afraid),” Dela Torre said.
