CAMP SERVILLANO AQUINO, Tarlac City – About 500 riders travelled from the General Headquarters in Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City, to the Philippine Fleet Naval Operating Base in Subic Zambales on August 25, 2024, as they joined the “Ride for West Philippine Sea” (Our Seas, Our Right, Our Future).
The ride was organized by the Breakfast Ride Community along with the Civil Relations Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines (CRSAFP).
The riders also carried “Care Packages” for the members of the Philippine Navy safeguarding the West Philippine Sea.
In time for National Heroes Day, the “Ride for West Philippine Sea” (Our Seas, Our Rights, Our Future) is part of the government’s advocacy to enhance awareness among the international and national communities of our sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea through an assertive transparency strategy, as well as to show support to the brave men and women of the Philippine Navy who are safeguarding our seas and asserting our rights and sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea.
Commodore Karl A. Decapia, Philippine Navy, Deputy Commander of the Northern Luzon Command, (NOLCOM) said that “Ride for West Philippine Sea” (Our Seas, Our Rights, Our Future) is part of the AFP transition into territorial defense operations, where the Navy is at the forefront.
He also commended the riders for their overwhelming support and for using their passion for riding to express unity and legitimate ownership of the West Philippine Sea.
“Truth be told, the trials, deceptions, and lies in the incidents of the West Philippine Sea are now being unfolded not only among the Filipino people but also in the international community. And many other nations are now supporting us on this quest, added the NOLCOM deputy commander.
As a highlight of the event, boxes of care packages containing a pair of Burlington socks from Dri Plus, non-perishable food items, personal care products, and a letter of encouragement from the riders were prepared and will be delivered to the beneficiaries.
Raymon Gabriel of the Breakfast Ride Community said that the care packages are a meaningful way to show their appreciation for the dedication and sacrifice of our Navy personnel safeguarding the territorial waters.
“This is a way for us to show our sympathy and make them feel that we love them,” he said in his message during the event.
After a brief program, the riders were given an opportunity for a shipboard guided tour inside the Navy’s docked vessel BRP Tarlac and Juan Luna, which concluded with a traditional boodle fight at the BRP Tarlac deck.
Riders’ groups who joined the cause includes Soteria Motorcycle Club; Batch 8 Brotherhood 2020; Samahang Batangueñong Karibok; Law Enforcement Riders Association of the Philippines; Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association; Suzuki Big Bikers Club of the Philippines; SOCOM Riders Brotherhood, Inc.; Proud Ninja Calabarzon; Juan Bataan Riders MC; Vstrom Adventure Philippines; PMA Maringal Riders; PNPA Magilas Riders; LERAP; Los Angelenos; Royale Moto Club; Wheeltek Group of Companies; BMW Owners Society of Saferiders; Rev Bombers Big Bike Club; Pilipinas Elite Riders Eagles Club; Versys Riders Club; Moto Chismis; Naked Knights; Pinoy Ninja Club Inc.; Sons of Luzon Pilipinas; Ducati Owners Mabalacat Motorcyclub Club; Motoride and High on Great Adventure. Other participants were independent individuals and members of the AFP.
The “Ride for West Philippine Sea” (Our Seas, Our Rights, Our Future) was also joined by Lt. Gen Charlton Sean Gaerlan PN(M), Deputy Chief of Staff, AFP; MGen Ramon P. Zagala PA, Commander, Civil Relations Service, AFP; COMMO Karl A Decapia PN, Deputy Commander, NOLCOM; COMMO Juario C Marayag PN, Deputy Commander Philippine Fleet; Senator Jv Ejercito; Retired PNP Chief PGen Dionard Carlos; Luzon Motorcycle Federation Incorporation President Jun Diagono; BGen Jun Omar, Chief of the AFP Office for Legislative Affairs and BFP Chief Louie Puracan.
After Zambales, the second leg of the “Ride for West Philippine Sea” (Our Seas, Our Rights, Our Future) will be held in Palawan.
