Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea. (INQUIRER.net file photo / Arnel Tacson)
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela on Wednesday questioned the loyalty and patriotism of ranking government officials who remain mum on the WPS issue.
“Regardless of political affiliation or regional origins, the majority of Filipinos now stand united in expressing their angered criticism and strong disapproval of China’s provocative bullying in our Exclusive Economic Zone,” Tarriela said in a Wednesday post on X (formerly Twitter).
“If you hold a high position in the government and have not yet expressed clear support for our Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and our humble Filipino fishermen, it is important to reflect on where your loyalty and patriotism truly lie,” he added.
Tarriela made the statement following the latest water cannon incident in Ayungin Shoal on March 23 which seriously injured three Navy personnel.
“These 3 brave men deserve the Filipino people’s admiration, respect, and support. I just hope all government officials will recognize their patriotism and stand against China’s aggression—at least give a statement,” Tarriela said.
Tarriela did not mention any official, but it could be recalled that Vice President Sara Duterte was slammed for her “deafening silence” on the West Philippine Sea issue.
Akbayan Party head Rafaela David on Tuesday dared Duterte to speak up and make her position on the issue known.
“While she rushes to the defense of the morally questionable, she turns a blind eye to the plight of Filipinos facing aggression in our own waters. It’s time for VP Sara to show some courage and defend our sovereignty rather than seeking refuge in a traitorous silence that betrays the trust of the Filipino people,” she added.
READ: Sara Duterte’s ‘silence’ on China’s hostility in West PH Sea hit
The vice president’s brother, Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte, came to her defense, saying it is not her job “to demonize China.”
Their father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, pivoted towards China. Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque also revealed that Duterte had a “gentleman’s agreement” with Beijing to maintain the “status quo” in the West Philippine Sea.
National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said the agency is not aware of any “gentleman’s agreement” between Manila and Beijing, but, if such a pact exists, it “infringes and violates our sovereignty as a nation.”
READ: NSC: ‘Gentleman’s agreement’ on West PH Sea violates PH sovereignty
Beijing asserts sovereignty in the entire South China Sea, including most of the West Philippine Sea, even if such a claim has been effectively invalidated by a July 2016 international tribunal ruling that stemmed from a case filed by Manila in 2013.