Nearly 80 fishing boats from Zambales assembled in the waters off Subic, forming the colors of the Philippine flag and spelling out the message “WPS, ATIN ITO!”
The symbolic sea formation marked the 10th anniversary of the landmark 2016 Arbitral Award, which upheld the Philippines’ rights in the West Philippine Sea.
The Atin Ito Coalition organized the activity in partnership with the New Masinloc Fishermen Association, Subic Commercial Fishers Association, and the Samahan ng Cabangaan-3 Fishermen’s Unity.
The gathering commemorated the country’s legal victory in international arbitration and renewed calls to declare July 12 National West Philippine Sea Victory Day.
According to the organizers, the event demonstrated the unity of Filipino fishermen and various sectors in defending the country’s sovereign rights and interests in the West Philippine Sea.