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February 28, 2026 | 3:21pm
In this photo uploaded on Facebook on Jan. 14, 2026, Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tarriela speaks at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s SDG Dialogue Series on the West Philippine Sea.
Jay Tarriela via Facebook
MANILA, Philippines — A major promotion within the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has put the spotlight on one of the country’s most vocal figures in maritime security.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. promoted Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, to the rank of rear admiral.
The promotion, confirmed through a letter dated February 23 and signed by Acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, was addressed to Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez.
Alongside Tarriela, Commodores Weniel Abarquez Azcuna and Oliver Sy Tanseco also received promotions to the same rank.
Under the letter’s directive, the Department of Transportation is tasked with notifying the three officials and issuing their appointment papers within seven days of receipt.
Tarriela’s rise comes amid his key role in the Philippines' public stance on the ongoing maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
As spokesperson for the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, he has frequently briefed the media on incidents involving the Chinese government and PCG operations in the contested area.
Tarriela’s outspoken remarks have led to a word war with China. In January 2026, Tarriela became embroiled in a diplomatic dispute with the Chinese Embassy in Manila after posting a satirical image of Chinese President Xi Jinping on social media.
The post, which featured a cartoonish depiction of Xi and the caption "Why China remains to be bully?" was condemned by the Chinese Embassy as an attack on Chinese leaders and a violation of China’s political dignity.
The embassy lodged a formal protest, demanding an explanation from the Philippine government for what it described as a "blatant political provocation."
In response, Tarriela rejected the protest, saying that his post was part of legitimate public discourse aimed at drawing attention to China’s repeated aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea.
