WPS Spokesperson Jay Tarriela Promoted to Rear Admiral — The Man China Loves to Hate Gets a Big Upgrade

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, has been promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral along with two other officers — Weniel Abarquez Azcuna and Oliver Sy Tanseco. The appointment was signed by President Marcos himself.

Tarriela has become one of the most visible Philippine officials in the ongoing territorial dispute with China, frequently calling out Beijing's actions in the West Philippine Sea through social media and public statements. His promotion comes at a time of heightened tensions in the contested waters.

Earlier this year, China filed diplomatic protests against Tarriela over social media posts critical of Chinese leaders, with Beijing's Foreign Ministry even summoning the Philippine ambassador. But Tarriela stood firm, insisting his statements were based on 'factual accounts' and condemning Filipino trolls who amplified the Chinese narrative.

In a fiery statement, Tarriela had said: 'Ang ikinalulungkot ko, may mga troll na Pilipino. Some of them are social media influencers. They are being used as puppets in amplifying the Chinese narrative.' He also exposed what he called China's Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference operations targeting Filipino public discourse.

The promotion signals strong backing from the Marcos administration for Tarriela's outspoken stance on WPS issues. With the rank of Rear Admiral, he now carries even more authority as the Philippines continues to assert its sovereign rights against Chinese aggression in disputed waters.

Source: GMA News