CHINA Filipino bishops: pray for peace in the South China Sea

The president of the episcopal conference, mons. Pablo Virgilio David, called to pray for peace in the South China Sea. The prelate asked that the civil and peaceful “resupply” mission carried out by the NGO Atin Ito Coalition be “accompanied.” Nearly 200 volunteers, 100 fishermen and five boats arrived in the disputed areas of the Scarborough Shoal, evading the blockade of the Chinese Navy.

Manila () – The Episcopal Conference of the Philippines made a statement in relation to the conflict between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea, a source of tensions at risk of escalation for control of a key area for global maritime trade and a turnover of 3 billion dollars. Mons. Pablo Virgilio David, bishop of Kalookan and president of the CBCP, asked the faithful to pray for the country and for the future peace of a region in which for years there has been a progressive worsening of relations between both parties .

“Let us accompany with our prayers – said the prelate – the civil supply mission in the West Philippine Sea [nombre con el que Manila identifica la zona]”. In his speech, Bishop David expresses the hope that “no accident will occur to the fleet of civilian boats and a hundred small fishing boats that are crossing our exclusive economic zone to bring fuel and food to our fishermen in the vicinity of the bank.” of Panatag”.

“A stubborn civilian presence instead of a show of joint military force – continues the president of the bishops – is indeed a way to confront this conflict peacefully and non-violently. It is also positive proof of the supremacy of civilians over the military, essential in a true democracy.” “We must reject – concludes the reflection – imperialist arrogance and geopolitical warmongering. Yes, to peace and reciprocal respect for the sovereignty among civilized nations!”

Bishop David’s words refer to the “civilian” mission that is being carried out near the Scarborough Shoal, with which Manila intends to end the Chinese siege without resorting to military force. The activist NGO Atin Ito Coalition, promoter of the expedition, reported today that the vessels overcame the Chinese naval blockade and arrived near the group of islets. In a note, the president of the NGO Akbayan Rafaela David stated that “despite the massive” and “illegal” blockade by China “we managed to cross” the barrier “to Bajo de Masinloc to support our fishermen with essential supplies. Mission fulfilled!” The group that arrived in the disputed territories is made up of about 200 volunteers, 100 fishermen and five boats.

The first part of the expedition left on May 14, followed the next day by the rest of the vessels participating in the civil operation. The next day he arrived approximately 25/30 nautical miles from the Scarborough Shoal area. The group supplied fuel, food and essential goods to Filipino fishermen operating in the area. The activist later reported that the mission made it possible to “distribute two hundred packages of food and a thousand liters of diesel.” An effort not without risks and tensions, because in the same hours about 43 Chinese ships, including two warships, headed towards the atolls with the purpose of hindering the Philippine resupply operation. Finally, the group placed twelve symbolic orange buoys with the words “Wps Atin Ito!” (The West Philippine Sea is ours!).

For years there has been a fierce territorial dispute between Beijing and several countries in the region, including the Philippines and Vietnam, over control of large portions of the South China Sea. China does not recognize the 2016 ruling of the International Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which declared its claims legally unfounded and without any validity.