Hours after arriving from Manila, this ship left the San Fernando Port in El Nido, Palawan after midnight last night to lead a convoy of some 30 fishing vessels in what could be the most challenging part of their voyage to Ayungin Shoal and two remote island communities in the West Philippine Sea to deliver Christmas goodies under the shadow of Chinese coast guard and militia. The fishing boats, adorned with Christmas lights, trailed the Felix Oca as they navigated in darkness through the treacherous waters of the West Philippine Sea – escorted by three Philippine Coast Guard ships – toward Ayungin Shoal, their first destination.

Punongbayan, M., & Cayabyab, M. J. (2023, December 10). Christmas convoy begins crucial phase of journey. The Philippine Star, pp. 1, 2.