Philippines sends coast guard to ensure safety of civilian mission in South China Sea

Philippine fishermen along with volunteers from a civilian-led mission Atin Ito Coalition arrive at a meeting point as seen from the bow of Philippine coast guard ship BRP Bagacay, in South China Sea on May 15, 2024. - AFP

MANILA: The Philippines has sent three coast guard vessels to ensure the safety of a civilian flotilla sailing to a shoal in the South China Sea, where Manila and Beijing have been embroiled in heated stand-offs over competing claims.

The three-day mission to hand out provisions for fishermen anchored at the contested Scarborough Shoal is being led by a group called Atin Ito (This is Ours), along with five commercial fishing vessels, organisers said. Around 100 smaller fishing boats will also join the initial part of the trip.