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)
