This April 4, 2024 handout photo from the AFP Western Command shows a Philippine Navy team preparing for an aeromedical evacuation mission. Western Command Armed Forces of the Philippines Facebook page 

MANILA — Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, whom the Chinese government alleges agreed to a “new model” arrangement with China to manage the situation in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, has been removed as chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command.

Carlos is officially replaced by Rear Admiral Alfonso Torres Jr., who assumed the post of acting Wescom chief on May 6 after Carlos went on leave “for personal reasons.”

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“The designation of Rear Admiral Alfonso Torres Jr. as Commander of WESCOM is an administrative decision of the AFP,” Col. Xerxes Trinidad, chief of the AFP Public Affairs Office, told ABS-CBN News in a message on Saturday.

“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,” he added.

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Headquartered in Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Wescom is in charge of the defense of the country's western seaboard.

'NEW MODEL'

Earlier this month, an official from the Chinese Embassy in Manila claimed to have a recorded phone conversation with Carlos regarding the “new model” arrangement.

A transcript of the alleged recording was published by a local newspaper on May 8.

The National Security Council, Department of National Defense and AFP have all dismissed and denied China’s allegations.

ABS-CBN News tried to reach out to Carlos for comment, but repeated attempts were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, the military offered its “full support” to Torres.

“WESCOM's critical role requires a fulltime leader that has more years in service in order to provide continuity and strategic direction. We offer our full support to Rear Admiral Torres and we are confident in his ability to lead with distinction,” Trinidad said.

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