Jay Tarriela

Jay Tristan Tarriela
Spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard for the West Philippine Sea
Commodore
Incumbent
Assumed office 2023
Personal details
Alma mater	Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (BS, MS) National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (MPP, PhD)
Military service
Branch/service	Philippine Coast Guard
Rank	Commodore
Unit	West Philippine Sea Operations

Jay Tristan Tarriela is a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) officer holding the rank of Commodore, serving as the organization's spokesperson. He is recognized for his activities in maritime security and policy, particularly for advocating the Philippine sovereignty claims related to the territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Early life and education

Tarriela holds a bachelor of science from the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy and a master of science in maritime education and training from the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Graduate School. He also earned a Master of Public Policy from GRIPS and the Japan Coast Guard Academy. He was part of the first batch of the Maritime Safety and Security Program launched jointly by both institutions in 2016. ^[1]

Career

Tarriela serves as the Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea. ^[2] His role involves public relations, strategic communications and engagement with international media in regards to the coast guard's engagement in the South China Sea.

Public policy positions

Maritime security advocacy

Tarriela has been a vocal advocate for strengthening maritime security in the Philippines. In March 2020, he published an analysis calling for the strategic recalibration of the Philippine Navy to address China's maritime actions in the South China Sea. His recommendations included: ^[3]

• Modernization of naval assets
• Enhanced operational readiness
• Increased defense funding
• Strengthened international partnerships, particularly with the United States

South China Sea dispute

Tarriela has actively supported president Bongbong Marcos' administration's hardline stance on the Philippines' enforcement and defence of its claims in the disputed South China Sea and is a critic of China's actions in regards to the matter. He has promoted these interests on his Twitter account. ^{[4] [5]}

He supports the usage of the term West Philippine Sea. ^[6] He has spoken against Filipino vloggers who are advancing China's own claims and positions and undermining the Philippines'. ^[7]

Electoral advocacy

In October 2024, Tarriela highlighted the importance of electoral choices in maritime security. He urged voters to support candidates who prioritize advocates for the Philippine claim in the South China Sea. ^[8]

Selected publications

• "The Rise of the White Hulls in Southeast Asia: The Philippine Coast Guard Case" (Doctoral Dissertation, 2021)
• "Recalibrating the Philippine Navy's Strategic Direction" (2020)

References

1. "CG Commodore Jay Tristan Tarriela". National Press Club of Australia. Archived from the original on 3 September 2024. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
2. "Analysts: China-Philippine Territorial Dispute May Foster Insecurity in South China Sea". Voice of America. 15 August 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2025.
3. Jay Tarriela (March 3, 2020). "ANALYSIS: Recalibrate the Philippine Navy's compass before it even sets sail". Rappler.
4. "Exclusive: Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard Spokesperson". Taiwan Plus. Retrieved 19 February 2025.
5. Mendoza, John Eric (6 December 2023). "'Modern-day Makapili': PCG's Tarriela unfazed by his 'pro-China' critics". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 19 February 2025.
6. Argosino, Faith; Magno, Alexander (18 February 2025). "Marcoleta grills Tarriela after backlash on 'no such thing' as WPS quip". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 19 February 2025.
7. Cruz, Maricel; Dantes, Charles (18 February 2025). "Tarriela warns of disinformation push by pro-China online influencers". Manila Standard. Retrieved 19 February 2025.
8. Heidi Lacambra (October 21, 2024). "Voters urged to back candidates supporting WPS cause". Philippine News Agency.