Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela said Wednesday that the agency will continue its transparency policy to keep the public informed about developments in the disputed waters despite China's aggressive actions.

Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela noted that maintaining the Coast Guard's presence in the West Philippine Sea is crucial to documenting and reporting its operations in the contested waters.

In an interview on DZRH's Damdaming Bayan, Tarriela disputed Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian's claim that the Philippine Coast Guard's presence in the area was provocative.

Tarriela accused China of repeatedly violating international law and infringing on the Philippines' maritime rights.

"China consistently violates international law and consistently tramples on the rights of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea," Tarriela said.

He also noted the continued presence of Chinese Coast Guard vessels and Chinese maritime militia in various parts of the West Philippine Sea.

"On a day to day basis we can see China Coast Guard presence in different parts of the West Philippine Sea mayroon pa ring Chinese Maritime Militia. This is not something new, under this administration we choose to tell the people what’s really happening," Tarriela said.

He stressed that the Marcos administration remains firm in defending Philippine territory and maritime rights, adding that the Coast Guard would continue informing the public about developments in the disputed waters.

Watch the full exclusive interview below: