PCG: Previous admin’s limited WPS info led to misinformation to worsen

Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for WPS, Philippine Coast Guard. Photo by Arnel Tacson/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The limited information in the West Philippine Sea situation under the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte has allowed misinformation to proliferate.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, made the observation as he drew comparison with the present administration’s tactics in dealing with the conflict.

Duterte’s administration pivoted to China despite the tension brought about by Beijing’s sweeping claim on almost the entire South China Sea — including most of the West Philippine Sea — which was effectively dismissed by an international tribunal ruling in 2016.

Contrary to his predecessor, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. adopted a different approach in the dealing with the West Philippine Sea scenario as he restored the country’s close relationship with the United States.

READ: Navy reports reduced Chinese presence in West PH Sea

“The limited information about the situation in the South China Sea during President Duterte allowed misinformation to proliferate in social media platforms,” Tarriela said in a Stratbase ADR forum in Makati City.

“This led many to wrongly perceive China even as a good friend and a partner for peace and development,” he also noted.

READ: ‘Modern-day Makapili’: PCG’s Tarriela unfazed by his ‘pro-China’ critics

On the other hand, the “transparency initiative” adopted under Marcos led to significant gains for the country, according to Tarriela.

“Our transparency initiative has not only had [a] lasting impact but has also served as a compelling evidence in advancing our national interest,” Tarriela added.

One of the “transparency initiative” includes the government allowing journalists to embed on the regular rotation and resupply mission in the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, which became one of the flashpoints of tensions between Manila and Beijing.

Because of such initiatives, Tarriela said “it is evident now that regardless of your social status and political leaning, Filipinos now unite in recognizing China’s aggressive and unlawful action in the West Philippine Sea.”

He even noted that legislators who were previously silent on the West Philippine Sea issue now made their stand publicly.

“It is worth mentioning that there are lawmakers who were previously silent in criticizing China’s actions but have now taken a stand and publicly condemn China,” Tarriela said.

READ: 2 Chinese Navy ships spotted as US, PH make joint patrols in West PH Sea

“Some of them have even gone as far as wearing t-shirts with markings of the West Philippine Sea during a basketball match against China in Manila,” he added, without naming names.