Negrenses Encouraged to Counter Fake News About West Philippine Sea

Philippine Coast Guard officials are urging citizens of Negros Oriental to take an active role in combating misinformation about the contentious West Philippine Sea dispute, emphasizing that the maritime territorial conflict affects all Filipinos regardless of geography.

During a radio interview on “Good Morning Dumaguete!” broadcast by DYEM-FM, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, identified misinformation as the greatest obstacle in the country’s territorial claims against China.

“The greatest challenge in our stand in the West Philippine Sea is the spread of fake news and misinformation,” Tarriela stated. He encouraged listeners to take direct action when encountering false information online. “If Filipinos are listening right now, as you hold your smartphones or your tablets, every time you see fake news or misinformation, kindly report it to Meta or kindly comment that particular content is not valid.”

Tarriela defended the government’s communications strategy, maintaining that official statements are based on verified facts and firsthand accounts from journalists who have reported from the disputed region. He expressed confidence that adherence to truthful reporting would ultimately prevail in what he described as a “battle of narratives.”

The maritime dispute has intensified in recent years as China has expanded its presence in the South China Sea, including areas that fall within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. The Philippines bases its territorial claims on the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which invalidated China’s expansive “nine-dash line” claim over much of the South China Sea.

Speaking partly in Filipino, Tarriela emphasized the national significance of the territorial dispute. “I am appealing to all our fellowmen here in Dumaguete City. The issue on WPS is of national importance. We need to support this fight. It is our responsibility and we owe this to our heroes who offered their lives so that our country will be free and independent.”

The Coast Guard spokesperson outlined the government’s multi-faceted approach to addressing Chinese claims and activities in the disputed waters. He noted that the Department of Foreign Affairs continues diplomatic engagement with China while simultaneously pursuing military modernization and international alliances to counter aggressive actions.

On the ground, the PCG and Armed Forces of the Philippines maintain regular patrols in critical areas such as Bajo De Masinloc (also known as Scarborough Shoal) in Zambales and the Kalayaan Island Group in Palawan. These operations aim to protect Filipino fishermen’s rights to access traditional fishing grounds that have become flashpoints in the territorial dispute.

Tarriela also highlighted economic aspects of the government’s strategy, stating that the Philippines is diversifying its investment partnerships to reduce vulnerability to potential economic pressure from China. The maritime dispute has occasionally affected bilateral economic relations, with China implementing import restrictions on certain Philippine products during periods of heightened tension.

Looking toward future elections, Tarriela encouraged Negrenses to consider candidates’ positions on the West Philippine Sea when casting their votes. “We can no longer afford having a president for another six years who is going to set aside our fight in the WPS,” he said, emphasizing the need for policy continuity in defending the country’s maritime claims.

The PCG’s outreach to communities in Negros Oriental reflects the government’s efforts to build nationwide awareness and support for its position in the territorial dispute, recognizing that citizens across the archipelago, even those far from the disputed waters, have a stake in the outcome of this long-running international conflict.