Philippines Seeks to Ensure Safety of Civilian Mission in South China Sea

CONFLICT - 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, organizers said. Around 100 smaller fishing boats will also join the initial part of the trip.

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