By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet

In his presentation before the House Tri-Committee on Tuesday, April 8, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela unraveled what he considers as a “fake news campaign” on social media that defends China and aims to discredit the position of the Philippines in the WPS.

He cited two Filipino vloggers—Anna Malindog Uy and Ado Paglinawan—as some of the major influencers that have publicly posted pro-China content.

“She is actually narrating a narrative that it is the [PCG] who rammed the China Coast Guard vessel,” Tarriela said about Uy.

On Paglinawan, he cited a post calling the WPS issue “lunacy” and accusing senators of “disgracefully” grilling former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, an alleged Chinese spy.

The WPS czar identified Uy and Paglinawan as initiators sowing the seeds of disinformation because he cited the posts of said online personalities as the origin behind the widespread proliferation of pro-China sentiments on social media.

He then went on to elaborate the inner workings of the disinformation machinery, which includes disseminators and reposters. The former are “soulless” troll accounts with no identity, while the latter are fellow Filipinos who amplify such twisted narratives.

Architects of disinformation

Tarriela outlined six recurring false narratives: the Philippines has no legal basis in the WPS; the issue is not a priority; the government is provoking China; war is inevitable; the country is dictated by the United States; and WPS spokespersons are corrupt.

“Una, they always counter our position in the [WPS]. Secondly, they also defend Alice Guo and the POGO. Third, they are also denying the presence of Chinese spies na nahuli ng NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) ng mga nakaraan,” the WPS czar said, emphasizing that the identified bloggers were also promoting other related themes.

This has elicited voices of concern from lawmakers, highlighting the gravity and seriousness of the threat imposed by such disinformation campaigns on the integrity and image of the Philippines on the global stage.

House Assistant Majority Leader and Manila 1st District Rep. Ernesto Dionisio Jr. insisted that all these pro-China bloggers must be exposed. He also urged vloggers to create content that defends national interest.

The Manila solon concluded his statement by calling on Filipinos to stand united against China’s negative narratives. (with report from Mela Lesmoras/PTV News)

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