Coast Guard: Christmas convoy to WPS needs MARINA special permit

The civilian-led "Christmas convoy" to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) should obtain a special permit from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Wednesday.

“They need to coordinate with the Maritime Industry Authority for them to be given a particular special permit for them to navigate in these waters,” PCG spokesperson for the WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela said in an interview during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing.

“Secondly, of course, for us to really sit down and identify what are those vessels that they are going to use for the Christmas caravan,” he added.

Atin Ito Coalition, composed of non-government organizations and people's organizations, is planning to conduct a Christmas convoy to the WPS.

The National Security Council (NSC) has allowed the plan but the convoy should not reach the BRP Sierra Madre which is located inside Ayungin Shoal.

"The planned Christmas convoy will pass through the general vicinity of Ayungin Shoal as far as practicable, on its way to other selected PH-occupied features to bring Christmas cheer directly to our troops assigned to those areas as well as to our fisherfolks,” NSC spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said in a statement Tuesday.

Initially, Atin Ito Coalition, composed of non-government organizations and people's organizations, had proposed bringing goods to BRP Sierra Madre inside Ayungin Shoal.

“Both parties agreed that a convoy to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal would not be advisable at this time since the safety of the civilian convoy is of paramount consideration,” said Malaya.

Tarriela pointed out that Atin Ito cannot simply designate small or indigenous boats and fishing vessels for the mission considering the big waves in the WPS during this season.

Quoting the coalition, Tarriela said the Christmas convoy was initially scheduled to be done on December 5 with around 40 boats.

However, he said the operational details should be discussed first with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PCG.

“There are still operational details that we still have to discuss with the organizers ng (of) Atin Ito,” he said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News