President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has promoted Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Jay Tarriela and two other senior officers to the rank of Rear Admiral, Malacañang confirmed Saturday. 

In a communication signed by Acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, the appointment letter — also furnished to Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez — stated that Commodore Jay Tarriela, Weniel Abarquez Azcuna, and Oliver Sy Tanseco have been elevated to flag rank. 

Lopez was directed to provide the three officials copies of the appointment within seven days of receipt.

The promotion comes amid heightened tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), where Tarriela has emerged as one of the government’s most visible voices countering Beijing’s claims and narratives over disputed waters.

Tarriela recently figured in a public exchange with the Chinese Embassy in Manila after Beijing lodged diplomatic protests over his social media posts, which it described as “attacks” and a “smear campaign” against Chinese leaders.

In January, China’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Philippine ambassador to Beijing following accusations that Tarriela was conducting political provocations. The Chinese Embassy said it had made “solemn representations” with Malacañang, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the PCG, claiming Tarriela’s posts crossed a “red line.”

Tarriela dismissed the protest, saying there was no basis for him to apologize or explain to the Chinese Embassy.

“There’s no authority for the Chinese Embassy to ask us to explain. I don’t think there’s a need for me to apologize,” he said in a news forum, stressing that diplomatic matters fall under the DFA’s jurisdiction.

“My role as spokesperson for the WPS is to transparently communicate these realities to the Filipino people and the world, in full alignment with our government’s commitment to rules-based order and international law,” he added.

He maintained that his statements were based on “factual accounts” supported by video footage, photographs, official PCG reports, and third-party observations.

Disinformation concerns

Tarriela also raised concerns over alleged Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) operations by China, saying these sought to exploit prevailing narratives, including the Philippines’ role as ASEAN host, to shape public discourse and sow confusion among Filipinos.

He criticized what he described as “Filipino trolls” amplifying Beijing’s messaging.

“Ang ikinalulungkot ko, may mga troll na Pilipino… They are being used as puppets in amplifying the Chinese narrative,” Tarriela said in a radio interview.

He clarified, however, that his remarks were not directed at the DFA and denied suggesting that the agency was acting improperly.

“My remarks were directed at these external influence operations — not at the DFA or its officials. I fully recognize and respect the professionalism and institutional role of the Department of Foreign Affairs,” he said.

Broader regional tensions

Tensions remain high in the disputed WPS, known internationally as the South China Sea — a vital global trade route through which more than $3 trillion in shipborne commerce passes annually.

China claims nearly the entire sea, overlapping with claims by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. Maritime areas within Manila’s exclusive economic zone are collectively referred to as the West Philippine Sea, including waters west of Luzon, the Kalayaan Island Group, and Bajo de Masinloc.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines, declaring that China’s sweeping claims had no legal basis under international law. 

Beijing has refused to recognize the decision.