TACLOBAN CITY — Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, has urged Eastern Visayans to help defend the country’s maritime rights by countering misinformation and disinformation surrounding the long-running dispute with China.

Tarriela made the call during a radio interview over RMN Tacloban, saying the Philippines’ struggle in asserting its sovereign rights in the WPS is not limited to the presence of Chinese vessels in the disputed waters but also involves the spread of false and misleading information.

He said narratives designed to confuse Filipinos and undermine the country’s legal position in the WPS are being circulated online, making it increasingly difficult for the public to distinguish facts from misinformation.

The problem becomes more serious when such narratives are repeated by public figures, politicians and social media influencers, whose large followings can quickly amplify false information, Tarriela said.

He urged Filipinos to use social media responsibly by reporting false information and sharing verified and factual information on the maritime dispute.

“Even from our homes, we can contribute to the defense of our country by preventing the spread of misinformation and ensuring that our fellow Filipinos receive accurate information about the West Philippine Sea,” Tarriela said.

The Philippines has consistently asserted its maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea based on the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s sweeping claims over nearly the entire South China Sea. China, however, has rejected the ruling and continues to assert its claims over areas also claimed by the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries.
Tarriela said public awareness and education are essential in ensuring that Filipinos understand the country’s rights and interests in the disputed waters.

He said the PCG is working with the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education to incorporate discussions on the West Philippine Sea into school curricula.

For out-of-school youth, Tarriela said parents have an important role in providing accurate information, describing the issue as an intergenerational concern that requires sustained public awareness.

He also highlighted the government’s Kadiwa sa Bayaning Mangingisda program, supported by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which seeks to assist Filipino fishermen and enable them to continue fishing safely in the country’s maritime zones.

Despite continuing tensions in the disputed waters, Tarriela expressed optimism that the issue would eventually be resolved peacefully through adherence to international law and stronger support from the international community, including members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

He said the defense of the West Philippine Sea is a shared responsibility that extends beyond the national government and the PCG.

“Protecting our maritime rights is not solely the responsibility of President Marcos or the Philippine Coast Guard. It is the responsibility of every Filipino,” Tarriela said.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Four former members and supporters of the New People’s Army(NPA) have surrendered to authorities in Eastern Visayas, with one of them turning over a .38-caliber revolver with a defaced serial number, police said.

The four separate surrender incidents took place in Samar, Northern Samar and Eastern Samar on July 18 and 19, according to the Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas (PRO-8).

The surrenderers were identified only by their aliases as “Reynel,” a former CTG member from Northern Samar; “Jacob,” a former member of an Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) in Samar; “Abner,” a former Yunit Militia member from Eastern Samar; and “Julius,” a former Militia ng Bayan/Yunit Militia member from the same province.

PRO-8 said the surrender efforts were facilitated through sustained intelligence gathering, community engagement and negotiations by personnel of the 801st, 802nd and 804th Maneuver Companies of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-8 (RMFB-8), together with the 1st Eastern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company.

During his surrender, alias “Julius” voluntarily handed over a .38-caliber revolver with a defaced serial number, which was taken into police custody for proper disposition.
PRO-8 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy praised the police units involved, saying the latest surrenderers reflected the continuing efforts of authorities and communities to encourage individuals involved with armed groups to abandon the armed struggle and return to civilian life.

“These voluntary surrenders reflect the effectiveness of our intensified operations and sustained community engagement. We will continue working with our partner agencies and local communities to encourage more individuals to abandon armed struggle, return to the fold of the law, and support the government’s peace and development agenda,” Capoy said.
The four surrenderers are currently under the custody of the concerned operating units for documentation, disposition and assessment for possible enrollment in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

The program provides assistance and reintegration support to former rebels and other individuals who abandon armed struggle and return to mainstream society.
PRO-8 said it would continue to strengthen peace and security efforts in Eastern Visayas through law enforcement, community engagement and support for government reintegration programs.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez is prepared to face allegations linked to the controversial flood-control projects and has no intention of leaving the country, a senior official of his congressional office said.

The official, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly, dismissed reports that Romualdez was planning to leave the Philippines amid the controversy surrounding the former House Speaker.

“That is unfair to him. He has never ever thought of absconding from the country,” the official said.

He said Romualdez had previously had opportunities to travel abroad, including when his daughter graduated from college, but did not leave the country to evade any issue.
“He is willing to face the allegations against him. That is how far we know him. He will answer all these unfounded allegations,” the official said.

Romualdez’s lawyer, Atty. Elaine Atienza, earlier said the congressman would respond to any formal proceedings through the proper legal institutions rather than engage in speculation or public rumor.

“Representative Martin Romualdez welcomes scrutiny. And he is prepared to answer it,” Atienza said.

She said Romualdez had consistently adhered to the rule of law and was ready to address any issues through the country’s legal institutions.

“Flight has always belonged to shadows. Romualdez has always followed the rule of law. He is willing to stand in the light,” she said.

Atienza also stressed that allegations should be resolved through due process and not through public opinion.

“In the end, every allegation against him must find its measure not in public sentiment, but in the quiet discipline of due process,” she said.

The statements came amid public discussions surrounding allegations against Romualdez in connection with the flood-control project controversy. No formal proceedings against the lawmaker were cited in the statements.

Despite the controversy, Romualdez’s congressional office in Tacloban City continues to operate and attend to requests from constituents in Leyte’s First Congressional District, which includes Tacloban City and the municipalities of Alangalang, Babatngon, Palo, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Tanauan and Tolosa.

The aide said Romualdez had instructed his staff to continue serving constituents, particularly those seeking medical and scholarship assistance.

“His instruction to us is to keep our office going by attending to the needs and requests of the people of the first district of Leyte,” he said.

(JOEY A. GABIETA, LIZBETH A. ABELLA)