Tagumpay! PH advance team avoids China's blockade, reaches Bajo de Masinloc

WEST PHILIPPINE SEA (UPDATE) — The advance vessels of the "Atin 'To" civilian mission on Thursday breached China's blockade and reached Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea.

The group said they reached the vicinity of Bajo De Masinloc, around 25 nautical miles from the shoal.

They delivered 1,000 liters of fuel and 200 food packs to Filipino fishermen there.

"Atin Ito's" advance team left for Bajo de Masinloc on Tuesday morning or a day before the start of its official civilian supply mission.

It said this is despite a Chinese Navy ship with body number 175 "constantly shadowing them."

"Despite China's massive blockade, we managed to breach their illegal blockade, reaching Bajo de Masinloc to support our fishers with essential supplies. Mission accomplished!" said Akbayan President Rafaela David, a co-convenor of "Atin Ito."

"Tagumpay po tayo! This mission is a tremendous success. We have achieved so many things despite the extraordinary challenges. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas at ang mamamayang Pilipino. West Philippine Sea, atin ito!" she added.

With this, the coalition considers this mission a victory, as they were able to hit some of their objectives.

MAIN CONVOY WON'T PROCEED

Photos courtesy of 'Atin Ito' 

However, the main vessels of the mission will now return to the mainland via the Subic Port without reaching Bajo de Masinloc. Atin 'To has yet to issue an explanation on this development.

Prior to this, fishermen aboard the main Atin 'To vessels held fishing activities within the exclusive economic zone, while a Chinese Coast Guard vessel watched nearby.

Filipino fishermen had a bountiful catch of a variety of fish as a Philippine Coast Guard vessel watched over them.

Maritime analyst Ray Powell reported that China recently positioned its huge blockage at the Scarborough Shoal.

On Wednesday night, the Philippine Coast Guard confirmed a huge presence of Chinese vessels in the area. 

Atin 'To says 3 major goals of civilian mission achieved so far