Skip to content
post thumbnail

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Tarriela did NOT retaliate vs China

WHAT WAS CLAIMED

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela retaliated against China to defend the West Philippine Sea

OUR VERDICT

Misleading:

Contrary to the video’s headline, Tarriela only said that the Philippine Coast Guard will maintain a presence in the West Philippine Sea.

By VERA Files

Jan 31, 2024

2-minute read
ifcn badgemeta badge

Share This Article

:

A video falsely insinuated in its headline that Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), took revenge on behalf of President Bongbong Marcos regarding Chinese harassment in the West Philippine Sea. 

CHINA BINAWIAN NG PCG! GRABE PBBM IGINANTI NI TARRIELA! GYERA NA! BAJO DE MASINLOC! MALAKING GULO TO (PCG retaliates against China! Wow, Tarriela takes revenge on Marcos’s behalf! It’s war! This is a big mess),” the video claimed.

This is misleading. In a Jan. 22 interview on GMA’s DZBB Dobol B, Tarriela only said that the PCG will maintain its presence in the West Philippine Sea and report the Chinese Coast Guard’s aggressive behavior. 

PCG Spokesperson Jay Tarriela did not give orders to retaliate against China. He only said that the PCG will maintain a presence in the West Philippine Sea.

Asked about possible steps to protect fishermen in the West Philippine Sea, Tarriela said the PCG could reach out to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to arrange alternating patrols in the West Philippine Sea. 

The misleading video appeared two days after boat captain Joely Saligan said on Jan. 23 that Chinese Coast Guard personnel harassed him and other fishermen at Scarborough Shoal. 

Posted by YouTube channel Boss Balita TV (created on July 15, 2021), the misleading video garnered a total of 37,631 views and 643 reactions. 

Have you seen any dubious claims, photos, memes, or online posts that you want us to verify? Fill out this reader request form or send it to VERA, the truth bot on Viber.

(Editor’s Note: VERA Files has partnered with Facebook to fight the spread of disinformation. Find out more about this partnership and our methodology.)

Get VERAfied

Receive fresh perspectives and explainers in your inbox every Tuesday and Friday.