Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) West Philippine Sea spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela stood firm on his position against China’s actions in contested waters, saying there is no need for him to apologize over his social media posts.
Speaking at a news forum on Saturday, Tarriela said the Chinese Embassy has no authority to demand an explanation from him. “I don’t think there’s a need for me to apologize to the Chinese Embassy,” he said.
On Friday, the Chinese Embassy in Manila criticized Tarriela for allegedly posting images that “attack and smear Chinese leaders,” calling the posts a serious violation of China’s political dignity and a blatant political provocation.
The embassy said it lodged formal protests with Malacañang, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the PCG.
Tarriela said China’s diplomatic protest is a matter for the DFA, adding that diplomatic relations are not the concern of the Coast Guard.
He earlier rejected the embassy’s accusations, stressing that his posts were factual and supported by video evidence, photographs, official PCG reports, and third-party observations.
Tarriela said his role is to transparently communicate realities in the West Philippine Sea in line with the government’s commitment to a rules-based order and international law.
He added that objections to images or expressions highlighting alleged violations only underscore discomfort with the truth being exposed.
Tarriela’s remarks followed his response to Chinese Embassy deputy spokesperson Guo Wei, who accused him of making misleading statements on the South China Sea issue.
