MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Jay Tarriela on Friday filed a cyberlibel complaint against Sass Rogando Sasot, citing “baseless, malicious, and deeply personal online attacks” targeting his private life and official duties.

Tarriela said the complaint was filed with the legal assistance of the Movement Against Disinformation (MAD), a group advocating accountability in online discourse.

He said the case is not only meant to defend his name but also to stand up for other public servants who silently endure online abuse and misrepresentation.

“While I fully respect the role of free speech in a democratic society, that freedom does not extend to the willful spread of disinformation, personal defamation, or efforts to erode public confidence through falsehoods,” Tarriela said in a statement.

He added that the complaint aims to reinforce that freedom of expression must be “anchored in truth, responsibility, and respect.”