PAG-ASA ISLAND, West Philippine Sea — In a symbolic display of sovereignty and defiance, the “Atin Ito” (It Is Ours) coalition successfully held its first “Patriotic Jet Ski Flag Ride” in the waters surrounding Pag-asa Island on Monday, May 4, 2026.
The event, which saw a convoy of civilian-led jet skis and small fishing vessels, aimed to assert Philippine maritime rights amidst continued foreign presence in the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Participants, composed of fisherfolk leaders, youth activists, and civil society members, donned life vests and carried Philippine flags as they navigated the turquoise waters just off the coast of the island. The “flag ride” is a nod to a famous political promise from years past, now reclaimed by grassroots organizers as a genuine gesture of civilian stake-holding in the region.
“We are here to show that these waters belong to the Filipino people,” a spokesperson for the Atin Ito coalition said. “Our presence here is not an act of war, but an act of stewardship and identity. We are not just visiting; we are home.”
The mission comes at a time of heightened regional tension and a national energy emergency that has underscored the importance of securing the untapped resources within the West Philippine Sea.
- Logistical Feat: The coalition managed to transport the jet skis and supplies despite the high cost of fuel, which has reached ₱140 per liter in nearby Palawan.
- Solidarity with Residents: The group also distributed “Sovereignty Packs”—containing food, radios, and solar-powered lamps—to the community of Filipino civilians living on Pag-asa Island.
While the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) maintained a “discreet presence” to ensure the safety of the civilian participants, the mission was notably characterized by its civilian-led nature. Reports from the island indicated that several foreign maritime militia vessels were spotted on the horizon, monitored closely by the PCG, but no direct confrontations occurred during the flag ride.
The Atin Ito coalition used the event to call on the national government to provide more robust support for the “Blue Economy,” urging for better infrastructure for fishers and more transparent energy exploration deals that prioritize Filipino interests.
“Our security lies in our people being able to fish and work in these waters without fear,” the coalition added. “The jet ski ride is a symbol, but the real work is ensuring that the resources of the West Philippine Sea benefit every Filipino household struggling with today’s high prices.”