Balamban:: Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, on Thursday criticized the spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Manila for his 'crude, gutter-level' language in social media posts.
According to Philippines News Agency, Tarriela highlighted a marked shift in behavior from Chinese Embassy Deputy Spokesperson Guo Wei, who has adopted a 'far more aggressive, confrontational, and vocal stance'. Tarriela accused Wei of enjoying the freedom of social media platforms in the Philippines, a liberty not available in his own country, suggesting that Wei's actions indicate a tacit approval from Beijing. This, Tarriela argues, reveals China's growing frustration with the Philippine government's transparency efforts in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), especially since the arrival of China's new Ambassador.
Tarriela pointed out that the Chinese Embassy's explicit mention of his name in 'abrasive and revisionist' social media posts underscores the effectiveness of the PCG's transparency initiatives against China's 'illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive (ICAD) actions'. He reaffirmed the administration's commitment under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., stating that no part of Philippine territory will be surrendered and the country's voice will remain strong.
The tension between Tarriela and Wei escalated when Wei accused Tarriela on Facebook of making 'fallacious remarks on China and the South China Sea' and having numerous social media 'helpers'. Wei further alleged that Tarriela disseminates 'twisted, manipulative, and provocative narratives' intended to push the Philippines into a conflict with China.
The incident comes in the wake of a recent harassment of a Filipino fishing vessel by Chinese ships near Bajo de Masinloc. A People's Liberation Army Navy vessel and a China Coast Guard ship approached dangerously close to the fishing boat, blocking its path. In response, the PCG deployed BRP Cape San Agustin to secure the vessel's crew and document the incident.
