The Department of National Defense condemned China’s criticisms of Filipino uniformed personnel, including PCG WPS spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, and warned Beijing to stop its provocations.
The DND rejected claims by Chinese officials that Filipino service members make “outrageous” statements or provoke confrontation, calling the remarks an affront to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
DND vowed to continue exposing China’s illegal actions and “lies” in the West Philippine Sea, emphasizing that the area has never been part of China.
The spat began after Tarriela used images in a presentation that Beijing deemed offensive to President Xi, prompting a formal diplomatic protest.
Tarriela refused to apologize, insisting the protest aimed to silence criticism of China’s harassment and illegal activities in Philippine waters.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 26, 2026
DND BACKS TARRIELA, VOWS TO CONTINUE CHALLENGING CHINA’S CLAIMS IN WPS
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