The country's territorial row with China in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) should not divide the nation, instead it should bring the people together towards a common goal which is to defend the area from any foreign intrusion.

This was the call made by Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for WPS, as he noted that the nation must remain focused on the coercive actions of China in the disputed waters.

Tarriela said the public "should not be swayed by the lies" that China supposedly spread about "new agreements or models."

"It is critical for our country to stand united and not be divided in addressing this issue. We must work together to halt China's ambitious goal of taking control of the entire West Philippine Sea. We should not be distracted by their false narratives, as China continues to carry out illegal actions without our awareness," Tarriela said.

Last week, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines released a transcript of a supposed phone call that transpired between Western Command chief Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos and a Chinese diplomat, showing that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Department of National Defense (DND), and National Security Council (NSC) have agreed to the so-called 1+1 model.

According to the embassy, this means that the Philippine government would only deploy one Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel and one resupply vessel to Ayungin Shoal while China would only send one Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ship and a fishing boat to the same feature.

The supposed model also states that the Philippine government would notify Beijing about its resupply mission two days prior; and would only send food and water supplies to the troops onboard the BRP Sierra Madre.

The AFP, DND, and NSC have already denied agreeing to such model. Carlos filed for a leave as the Wescom chief following the incident. The Wescom is the command in-charge of the military operations in the western part of the country, including WPS.

Further, Tarriela urged public vigilance against "illegal activities and aggressive behavior exhibited by China," the most recent of which was in Escoda (Sabina) Shoal, where the dumping of dead and crushed corals were monitored on its seabed and seen as a sign of island-building activities.

Escoda Shoal is located 75 nautical miles from the coastline of Palawan, and is the rendezvous point by the PCG and AFP during resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal.

"China's deployment of Chinese Maritime Militia, Chinese Coast Guard, PLA (People's Liberation Army) Navy, and Chinese research vessels close to the coastline of Palawan is concerning. Not only does this pose a threat to our sovereignty, but it also causes significant damage to our marine environment," Tarriela noted.

The outspoken PCG official said that by remaining focused and united in responding to challenges posed by China's growing presence in the WPS, it would ensure the protection of the Philippines' territorial integrity and preserve the marine environment for future generations.