MANILA — Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Commodore Jay Tarriela, on Thursday criticized Chinese Embassy Deputy Spokesperson Guo Wei for using “crude, gutter-level” language in social media posts.

In a statement, Tarriela said Guo has adopted a “far more aggressive, confrontational, and vocal stance,” which he believes reflects tacit approval from Beijing and China’s “growing annoyance and evident fear” over the PCG’s transparency efforts.

“Mr. Guo Wei, I am beginning to think you are enjoying using the social media platforms here in the Philippines because you do not have such freedom in your country,” Tarriela said.

He added that the embassy’s mention of his name in “abrasive and revisionist” posts highlights the effectiveness of the PCG’s transparency initiatives in monitoring China’s “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive (ICAD) actions.”

“Under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we remain steadfast in our commitment: not one square inch of our territory will be surrendered, and neither will our voice. Surrendering that voice would be far worse,” he said.

Guo previously criticized Tarriela on Facebook, accusing him of making “fallacious remarks on China and the South China Sea” and using “one, ten, or a hundred” social media helpers. The envoy also alleged that Tarriela spreads “twisted, manipulative, and provocative narratives” to push the Philippines into conflict with China.

The comments come after a Filipino fishing vessel was harassed on Monday by Chinese ships near Bajo de Masinloc. A People’s Liberation Army Navy vessel (PLAN 621) and a China Coast Guard ship (CCGV 23521) reportedly came within 30 meters of the boat, blaring sirens and blocking its path about 16 nautical miles southeast of the shoal.

The PCG dispatched BRP Cape San Agustin to secure the crew and document the incident.