On August 10, PCG spokesperson on the West Philippine Sea Cmdr. Jay Tarriela wrote a lengthy tweet, calling Filipinos who are defending China.
He described Filipinos supporting China amidst their aggressive behavior towards Philippine vessels as ‘unpatriotic’ and ‘traitors,’ “If you are a Filipino, whether in government or private sector, regardless of your politics, defending and making excuses for China’s aggressive behavior should deem you unpatriotic[,] and a traitor to the Philippines and to our people. Given current developments in the West Philippine Sea, it is important to show loyalty to country.”
If you are a Filipino, whether in government or private sector, regardless of your politics, defending and making excuses for China's aggressive behavior should deem you unpatriotic, and a traitor to the Philippines and to our people. Given current developments in the West… pic.twitter.com/uJ5RU6P6RD
— Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) August 10, 2023
As a result, netizens voiced their reaction on social media, each calling out and alluding to political figures, organizations, online communities, and personalities as ‘traitors.’
Si Sasot ba ang isang tinutukoy? 🤣 https://t.co/jDqdy0EdWg
— Clive Reyes (@datumx11) August 10, 2023
Marami tayong kilalang Traydor! https://t.co/Aal07OCZY8
— Chris Tan (@imchristan) August 11, 2023
It will be nice to see the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and other Filipino Chinese associations to issue statements of support for the Philippines on this issue. https://t.co/F6f1DyoYvr
— Boo Chanco (@boochanco) August 10, 2023
Traitor daw kayo @HLingayan and your equally TABOGONG ilk.
Imagine, PCG na nga ang inagrabyado sa sarili nating territory tapos p
inagtatanggol niyo pa and some of you spread fake news pa na ang PCG ang nang agit sa CCG. pic.twitter.com/z8DoVOQVgP— Ⓜⓘⓢⓢⓤⓢ Ⓑ (@HeavilyYours) August 10, 2023
May nagsalita na, sana ang iba rin magsalita na to push back ang mga dumedepensa sa china#chinaLayas https://t.co/OVsIRO32G8
— ToniSpeakeasy 🇵🇭 (@ToniSpeakEasy) August 11, 2023
Hoy, mga Digong-types diyan, makinig kayo!!! https://t.co/7Fuv8oeCuf
— Federico Pascual🇵🇭 (@FDPascual) August 11, 2023
TRAYDOR DIN ANG MGA POLITIKO NA TAHIMIK SA USAPING WPS! https://t.co/EDK4RyVtbl
— Pilosopo Tasyo (@djakasss) August 10, 2023
Daming tatamaan ditong mga trolls. Naglipana dito ang mga traydor na yan. https://t.co/bcmHldd0Nz
— Jojo Clemente (@jclem3) August 10, 2023
Earlier reports surfaced about Chinese Coast Guard vessels blocking and blasting water cannons and Filipino ships attempting to resupply troops stationed in the hotly contested area.
Earlier, the Chinese government called to the Philippines demanding the removal of the World War II-era warship BRP Sierra Madre from the Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal).
President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr responded, maintaining that no agreement between the Philippines and China got made to remove the BRP Sierra Madre.