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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Carlos out, Torres in as WesCom chief

Carlos out, Torres in as WesCom chief

Published May 18, 2024 07:58 am
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Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos (Photo courtesy of Western Command)

Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, the embattled commander of the Western Command (WesCom) which oversees military operations in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), has been officially replaced by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) after getting entangled in a scandal involving China’s “new model” in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.

Carlos was replaced by Rear Admiral  Alfonso Torres Jr., who initially assumed the post in an acting capacity on May 6 when the former officer went on a personal leave.

Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, AFP spokesperson, confirmed this to reporters on Saturday, May 18, as she noted that the designation of Torres as the new commander of WesCom “is an administrative decision of the AFP.”

“It is part of the ongoing changes in leadership and key positions within the military which is necessary for the institution to adapt to evolving security environment and effectively address emerging challenges,” Padilla said.

The AFP spokesperson said that WesCom’s critical role requires a “full-time leader that has more years in service” in order to provide continuity and strategic decision.

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Rear Adm. Alfonso Torres Jr. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy)

“We offer our full support to Rear Admiral Torres and we are confident in his ability to lead with distinction,” Padilla said.

Carlos has been under the radar since the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines released a transcript of a supposed phone call that transpired between an AFP official described as “WesCom chief” and a Chinese diplomat, showing that the AFP, Department of National Defense (DND), and National Security Council (NSC) have agreed to the so-called 1+1 model in Ayungin Shoal.

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. 

Asked for an update on the whereabouts of Carlos, Padilla said: “He is still on leave.”

Carlos will be on mandatory retirement next year when he reaches the new age for compulsory retirement of 57 years old, according to Padilla.

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Western Command alberto carlos
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