The Philippine government on Monday cautioned China against blocking a civilian mission at Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal intended to uphold the country’s sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The “Atin Ito” (This Is Ours) Coalition led by activist group Akbayan plans to conduct a civilian mission on Wednesday until Friday, to provide fuel and other essential supplies to fishermen outside the shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc.Maritime expert Ray Powell, in a post on X on Monday, warned that China would send a “huge force to blockade” Scarborough Shoal, consisting of four China Coast Guard (CCG) ships and 26 large maritime militia vessels — “not counting ‘dark’ vessels” or ships that are not easily tracked.

Gascon, M., Reyes, D., & Aglibot, J. R. (2024, May 14). Respect civilian mission to Panatag, China told. Philippine Daily Inquirer, pp. A1, A2.