The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has observed a significant increase in online trolls targeting government social media accounts, a development that coincides with heightened transparency initiatives in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). This was highlighted by Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG’s spokesperson for the WPS, during the UTAK Forum held in Quezon City. Tarriela pointed out that these trolls, known for posting provocative content, have been actively spreading false information about the WPS.
Tarriela suggested that the surge in trolling is a direct response to the transparency efforts led by the National Task Force for the WPS. He emphasized the PCG’s and the task force’s commitment to shaping the public narrative with factual information. Additionally, Tarriela stressed the importance of protecting Filipino fishermen’s interests and maintaining maritime jurisdiction without escalating tensions, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives.
On the operational front, Tarriela reported successful efforts in repelling China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels from the Philippines’ western coast. He noted that the CCG vessel 3304, which replaced the so-called ‘monster ship’ CCG-5901, was currently positioned 88 nautical miles from Zambales. The ‘monster ship’ had previously intruded into the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, prompting continuous patrols by PCG vessels such as BRP Teresa Magbanua, BRP Gabriela Silang, BRP Suluan, and BRP Cabra to monitor and challenge the Chinese presence.