John Odonnell Petalcorin

27/10/2026

My Book is now live in Amazon Kindle

The author answers questions about him and his opinion on media-hyped controversies in Philippines surrounding South China Sea disputes such as gray zone incidents, the emerging China regional empire, anomalies of the overlapping claims, Nine-Dash Line, bilateral negotiation, arbitration award, i...

27/10/2026

FAQ176. Sir John, what did Tarriela say against Clarita Carlos that led to the cyberlibel case?
Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, accused former National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos of failing to defend Philippine rights in the West Philippine Sea during her time as chair of the National Task Force-West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS).

Key points he raised:

First. He said anyone who served in the NTF-WPS while she was chair would confirm that she never did anything to stand up for Philippine rights in the West Philippine Sea.

Second. He pointed out that the government’s transparency initiative—publicly documenting and exposing Chinese actions such as water cannon attacks and dangerous maneuvers—only began after she was replaced by Gen. Eduardo Año in January 2023.

Third. After Carlos told him to “shut the f*** up” and called him a troublemaker for speaking out against Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan, Tarriela responded that she appeared more angry at him than at China. He also recalled that when he previously asked her about Philippine deployments in response to China’s presence, she questioned why he was asking her—even though she was the NTF-WPS chair at the time.

Note: The cyberlibel complaint was filed by Clarita Carlos against Tarriela, PMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michael Logico, and others at the NBI. Tarriela has said Filipinos should not be fighting each other and that the focus should remain on exposing China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea.

(Excerpt from book titled: Common Area Mindset - New Approach to the Dispute at Sea. 2nd Edition)

27/10/2026

Is China a bully? The book Common Area Mindset - A New Approach to the Dispute at Sea will soon be available in Amazon Kindle in paperback print on demand and eBook.

20/10/2026

Here’s the addendum of my advice for the Philippine President who faces a clamour to make the Chinese Ambassador clarify.

Dear pBBM,

CN Amba says: “If we want to use force, we may easily win.”
CN Amba Clarification: “But no, we will not choose force, and we love peace.”

Warning: Don’t get yourself trapped in the DenseList label.

Mr President, the CN Amba and myself are having exchange of thoughts that may be a breakthrough in the peace that we seek. I think PH-CN reach Berth Agreement –
LegacyofAmbaJingQuan.

PH side: “Move away from each other. Practice social distancing of ships. Do not
close the range. Social Distance prevents water-cannoning, dangerous maneuvers,
collision, and a fight with paddles.”

CN side: “When it comes to managing maritime disputes, the most important thing
is for both sides to maintain a safe distance and avoid accidental incidents.” (Amba Jing Quan,15October2026)

Surprisingly, I noticed the PH media seems highly-organized in smokeScreening the breakthrough. This is an anomaly, a systematic sabotage on peace.

Mr President, don’t be part of the smokeScreen. Instead, find a moment to answer back. The CN Amba is indirectly asking — If PH has stronger force, would
PH choose peace?

Bongbong Marcos
Liza Marcos
Presidential Task Force on Media Security

18/10/2026

On Maritime Issues, we have reach an agreement with the Chinese side. They agreed that both sides should maintain a safe distance. Below is what I recommended weeks ago:


FAQ 125. Sir John, What is your shortest fight-prevention advice to Chinese and Philippine vessels at sea?

All maritime vessels have the right of innocent passage—UNCLOS Article 17— and the freedom of navigation—UNCLOS
Article 87. For that reason they need not be hailed merely to be told a nation’s claim of sovereignty at a spot of sea. The territorial
dispute of nations is none of the business of the sailors on the water.

My shortest fight-prevention advice to
government ships is this: treat the sea as a Common Area.

You cannot exclusivize navigation. You cannot tell other ships to leave for the mere reason that you have sovereign might.

When you think you are proximately or mightily sovereign at that location, you may roar a statement of sovereignty under freedom to express your opinion. Nevertheless, you still have to respect the other’s right of innocent passage and freedom of navigation.

Self-defense requires that you are cornered, with no way out. The sea is vast in every direction. You cannot be cornered. Move away from each other. Practice social distancing of ships. Do not close the range. Social Distance prevents water-cannoning, dangerous maneuvers, collision, and a fight with paddles.

(Excerpt from my soon-to-be published book titled: Common Area Mindset - New Approach to the Dispute at Sea)

16/10/2026

The statement of the Chinese Ambassador is not a threat and there’s no issue about it. Below is my interpretation:

China and the Philippines are neighbors. We prefer to settle differences by talking, not by force. Dialogue serves both countries better. We remain ready to work together on practical matters that benefit our peoples.

16/10/2026

Chinese Embassy Explainer.

13/10/2026

DIPLOMATIC RESPONSE
FAQ161. Sir John, What should be the diplomatic response of the Chinese Ambassador when asked about an incident of Chinese Coast Guard clashing with Filipino boats near Kalayaan Islands?

The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines is prepared to look into matters involving vessels flying the Chinese flag and to provide clarifications on maritime incidents that occur within the twelve-nautical-mile territorial sea of the Philippines. Beyond that limit—including areas some five hundred nautical miles from the Philippine coast—such matters fall outside the diplomatic jurisdiction of this Embassy for purposes of investigation.
The Embassy will, however, transmit any inquiry received from the Philippine side to the relevant authorities in Beijing. It is hoped that the outcome of any such review will be made public through official Chinese media in due course.

The Chinese Embassies worldwide are
open to listen to claims of host States, whether by an ordinary individual or official delegation, especially when bilateral talks is the manner prescribed by the United Nations to resolve issues.

(Excerpt from my soon-to-be published book titled: Common Area Mindset - New Approach to the Dispute at Sea)

13/10/2026

Now this is funny. Manyak Tour Guides.

: SIQUIJOR PROBES MANYAK TOUR GUIDES POSTING PHOTOS OF WOMEN WITHOUT CONSENT

Cambughay Falls in Siquijor became a social media favorite thanks to the “fairy walk” trend. Now it is in the news for a far less enchanting reason. Tourists have raised the alarm about guides at the site who allegedly post photos of women visitors in swimsuits without their consent.

The warning began with netizens flagging a Facebook account that shared images of women tourists taken without their permission. Some of the shots reportedly caught the women in compromising positions. Other posts showed a man, believed to be the account owner, posing for selfies with foreign women. The posts gained plenty of traction, and other users filled the comments with suggestive remarks about the women pictured.

The account owner lists his workplace as Tarzan Swing, a well-known attraction at Cambughay Falls that rose to popularity alongside the fairy walk craze. A second Facebook account was also called out for sharing full-body photos and selfies with tourists, mostly foreigners, which drew similarly sexualized comments.

The Siquijor Provincial Tourism Office said it is looking into the matter and reminded the public that photographing people without their consent is illegal. In a statement dated October 1, the office said: “We are doing our best to address this matter and put a stop to these practices. We have already coordinated with the appropriate agencies and individuals who have direct contact with the persons involved.”

The agency also urged the public to report other cases of non-consensual photos and told tourism workers to respect the privacy of every guest. “Taking photographs of individuals without their knowledge or consent, particularly when done for purposes beyond the legitimate service being provided, is a serious concern and should not be tolerated,” the statement read.

Local officials took further action. The Municipality of Lazi temporarily closed Cambughay Falls from October 5 to 6 while it worked to settle issues among stakeholders. The tourism office later assured the public that the matter had been addressed, though it still encouraged people to report unsafe behavior.

“We assure everyone that we will continue to monitor the activities and services of our stakeholders in the area to ensure that improvements are sustained and that our visitors receive the experience they deserve,” the tourism office said in a Facebook post on October 6.

The flagged accounts kept posting photos of women even after the October 1 statement. Since the reopening announcement on October 6, however, they have not posted anything new.

09/10/2026

UST Students Suspended over Confrontation with PAF AFP

On April 21, 2026, four UST student activists confronted Philippine Air Force personnel during a PAF exhibit at the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. building. The exhibit was part of UST’s 415th anniversary activities and the PAF’s pre-79th anniversary outreach, featuring simulators, aircraft models, and information on modernization and service opportunities.
What the students did
Led by Philosophy freshman Raven Racelis (Kabataan Partylist–UST), along with Ralph Manuel, Mecaella Capalar (then CSC public relations officer), and Dex Frogoso, they:
• Approached PAF officers in a heated, confrontational manner and raised their voices.
• Accused the PAF/AFP of being “the number one human rights violator” and said the institutions were “not welcome in academic spaces.”
• Specifically linked the exhibit’s equipment to alleged aerial bombings and strafing in Occidental Mindoro (January 2026) that reportedly killed civilians, including children and youth researchers, and referenced other operations (e.g., Toboso, Negros Occidental).
• Displayed printed newspaper clippings and materials alleging human rights violations by the Armed Forces.
• Chanted slogans including:
• “Militar sa Pamantasan, palayasin!” (Drive the military out of the University!)
• “Defend academic freedom!”
• “Singilin ang pasistang rehimen!” (Hold the fascist regime accountable!)
• “Hustisya para sa mga pinaslang ng pasistang estado” (Justice for those slain by the fascist state)
Racelis posted video of the exchange. The students were later escorted out by PAF personnel and UST campus security. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. publicly called the behavior “kabastusan” (rude/disrespectful) and said UST should sanction it.
Why they were suspended
UST’s Office of Student Affairs (OSA) issued resolutions (dated around early October 2026) finding the four guilty of violating the University’s Code of Conduct and Student Handbook rules on courtesy, respect, peace and order, and conduct consistent with UST’s Catholic identity.
Specific sanctions:
• Raven Racelis: 10-day suspension
• Ralph Manuel: 8-day suspension
• Mecaella Capalar: 5-day suspension + removal as CSC public relations officer
• Dex Frogoso: 4-day suspension
None received certificates of good moral character. The OSA cited the confrontational tone, raised voices, aggressive gestures (including finger-pointing), chanting, and display of accusatory materials. It acknowledged free-expression rights but ruled they must be exercised within university rules.
PAF’s role
The PAF submitted an incident report (not initially described as a formal complaint in all accounts; later clarified as such in some reports). PAF spokespersons stated they did not interfere in UST’s internal disciplinary process, respected university autonomy, and remained open to civil discourse. An alumnus also filed a complaint. The students maintained they were only inquiring about equipment and civilian casualties and alleged red-tagging by personnel.
In short, the suspensions resulted from the manner of the protest—described by the university and PAF as discourteous, confrontational, and disruptive to an officially coordinated campus event—rather than the mere act of questioning.