WPS Spokesperson Jay Tarriela Just Got Promoted to Rear Admiral — The Man China Loves to Hate Keeps Rising

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, has been promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral by President Marcos. The appointment letter, signed by the President and coursed through Acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, also promoted two other officers — Weniel Abarquez Azcuna and Oliver Sy Tanseco — to the same rank.

The promotion comes on the heels of months of verbal sparring between Tarriela and Chinese officials over the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea. In January 2026, China lodged diplomatic protests against Tarriela for social media posts critical of Beijing, even summoning the Philippine ambassador. Tarriela stood firm, insisting his statements were based on "factual accounts."

Tarriela has become something of a folk hero for Filipinos frustrated with China's aggressive posturing in the WPS. He's been vocal about Chinese information warfare targeting the Philippines, calling out Filipino trolls who amplify Beijing's narrative. "Some of them are social media influencers. Some are fanatics of known politicians," he told Super Radyo dzBB.

Earlier this month, Tarriela publicly rebuked China's Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference operations, saying they sought to "exploit prevailing narratives" and "sow confusion among the Filipino public." He also clarified that his criticisms were directed at external influence operations, not at the Department of Foreign Affairs.

With this promotion, Tarriela now holds one of the highest ranks in the PCG — a clear signal from Malacañang that his aggressive stance on the WPS has the full backing of the Marcos administration. China will not be pleased, pero sino ba ang nagtatanong sa kanila?

Source: GMA News