Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela criticized former National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos, accusing her of failing to defend the Philippines’ rights in the West Philippine Sea during her tenure.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Tarriela questioned Carlos’ performance as former chairperson of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), claiming that officials who served under her leadership could attest to her alleged lack of action in asserting the country’s maritime rights against China.
“Anyone who was part of the NTF-WPS during her time as NSA would definitely state that she never did anything to stand up for our rights in the WPS,” Tarriela said.
He also argued that the government’s transparency initiative in the West Philippine Sea only began after Carlos was replaced by former National Security Adviser Gen. Eduardo Año.
“We need to remember that the transparency initiative in the WPS only started when she was replaced and when Gen. Eduardo Año took over,” Tarriela added.
The transparency initiative involves the public release of information, photos, and videos documenting China’s activities and encounters with Philippine vessels in the disputed waters.# (ZIA LUNA)
