SUBIC, Zambales — The Atin Ito Coalition and hundreds of fisherfolk from Zambales launched a symbolic sea action on Sunday to kick off the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Philippines’ landmark 2016 Arbitral Ruling.

Using nearly 80 boats, local fishers and Atin Ito members formed the colors of the Philippine flag and the words “WPS, ATIN ITO!” against the turquoise blue water of Subic Bay.

The activity, which drew around 250 fishermen across Zambales, also renewed calls for the government to declare July 12 as National West Philippine Sea Victory Day.

Organized in partnership with the New Masinloc Fishermen Association (NMFA), the Subic Commercial Fishers Association, and the Samahan ng Cabangaan-3 Fishermen’s Unity, the sea action celebrated the country’s historic 2016 Arbitral Ruling victory while reaffirming their peaceful but resolute stand against the continuing harassment and aggression of China in their traditional fishing grounds.

“Habang ipinagdiriwang natin ang ika-sampung anibersaryo ng ating makasaysayang tagumpay, muli nating pinagtitibay ang ating paninindigan para sa mahal nating West Philippine Sea. Ang tagumpay sa arbitral ruling ay mahalaga, ngunit hindi pa tapos ang laban,” said NMFA president Leonardo “Ka Nards” Cuaresma.

“Hanggang patuloy ang panghihimasok at agresyon ng Tsina sa ating karagatan, patuloy din tayong maninindigan at lalaban para sa ating karapatan,” Cuaresma added.

Atin Ito Co-Convenor Rafaela David called on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to issue an Executive Order declaring July 12 of every year as National West Philippine Sea Victory Day, saying the country must institutionalize the commemoration of one of its greatest diplomatic victories while honoring the fisherfolk and frontliners who continue to defend the nation’s maritime rights.

“July 12 is more than a date in our history, it is a reminder that truth, international law, and the courage of the Filipino people prevailed,” said David, who is also president of Akbayan Party.

“Declaring it as National West Philippine Sea Victory Day will help preserve this victory in our national memory, strengthen public awareness and education, and ensure that future generations are equipped to reject disinformation and defend what is rightfully ours,” she also said.

The sea action marked the opening of Atin Ito’s week-long commemoration of the ruling’s 10th anniversary, culminating on July 12.

On July 10, Atin Ito will join diplomats, legal luminaries, government leaders, and journalists in a forum organized by the Stratbase Institute. On July 12, Atin Ito leaders will participate in a West Philippine Sea parade in Puerto Princesa alongside the provincial government of Palawan and the people of the Municipality of Kalayaan.

Throughout the week, the coalition will also recognize local government units that have passed resolutions declaring July 12 as West Philippine Sea Victory Day.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague unanimously ruled on July 12, 2026 that China’s sweeping “nine-dash line” claims had no legal basis, and affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights over its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The ruling also said that China’s claim of historical rights to resources within its nine-dash line were extinguished upon the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which established a legal framework for all marine and maritime activities.

China, however, continues to reject the arbitral ruling as “null and void,” leading to the ongoing tension in the West Philippine Sea. – Atin Ito Coalition, with Taktikom Research

PHOTO CREDIT: All photos by Atin Ito Coalition