Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commodore Jay Tarriela on Friday filed a cyber libel complaint against outspoken social media user Sass Rogando Sasot over online posts he says damaged his reputation and credibility.
In a 21-page complaint lodged before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office, Tarriela—who serves as the PCG’s spokesperson on West Philippine Sea matters—accused Sasot of violating Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, citing multiple posts on Facebook and X that he said were baseless and defamatory.
According to ABS-CBN News, the complaint was filed with the support of the Movement Against Disinformation, a group pushing back against false narratives online.
Tarriela stressed that he respects freedom of expression but drew a line when it comes to unsubstantiated attacks.
“Para sa akin, there are limits to our constitutional right of freedom and freedom of expression. Kung magsasalita ka ng bagay na wala ka namang basehan, and it will also damage my reputation… you need to be held accountable,” he told the media.
The PCG official denied claims made by Sasot in various posts between July and October 2024, including accusations that he received $4 million from the U.S. government, was involved in a supposed covert operation dubbed “Project Atlantis,” and accepted three black bags from House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Sasot also allegedly accused Tarriela of owning an overpriced watch and being expelled from the Philippine Military Academy.
“These are information na pinost niya sa social media that needs to be refuted,” Tarriela added. “Otherwise, people… will just accept it as gospel truth.”
Tony La Viña, lead convenor of the Movement Against Disinformation and also Tarriela’s legal counsel, said the case centers on dangerous disinformation that undermines national interest, especially concerning sensitive issues like the West Philippine Sea.
Tarriela is seeking P1.25 million in damages.
In response, Sasot acknowledged Tarriela’s right to pursue legal action but said she cannot respond unless the complaint is formally served to her overseas.
“His legal complaint must be legally served in order for me to answer it legally,” she told ABS-CBN News via email. “I will wait where I live, which is outside the Philippines, to receive it legally and thereby answer it legally.”
