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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

 

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Philippine Navy team 05182024

Bianca Dava

ABS-CBN News

<div><span dir="ltr" id="isPasted"></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1716003415928Wescom.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="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"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">This April 4, 2024 handout photo from the AFP Western Command shows a Philippine Navy team preparing for an aeromedical evacuation mission<em>. Western Command Armed Forces of the Philippines Facebook page </em></span></span></span></div><p>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.</p><p>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.”</p><div><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/5/6/nsc-says-no-need-to-probe-wescom-chief-1604">READ: NSC says no need to probe WESCOM chief over China&#x27;s claim</a></div><p>“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.</p><p>“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.</p><div><a href="http://AFP says it ‘will not dignify’ China’s ‘new model’ claim">RELATED: AFP says it ‘will not dignify’ China’s ‘new model’ claim<br/></a></div><p>Headquartered in Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Wescom is in charge of the defense of the country&#x27;s western seaboard.</p><div><strong>&#x27;NEW MODEL&#x27;</strong></div><p>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.</p><p>A transcript of the alleged recording was published by a local newspaper on May 8.</p><p>The National Security Council, Department of National Defense and AFP have all dismissed and denied China’s allegations.</p><p>ABS-CBN News tried to reach out to Carlos for comment, but repeated attempts were unsuccessful.</p><p>Meanwhile, the military offered its “full support” to Torres.</p><p>“WESCOM&#x27;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.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U_iQR68nBVQ?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, who allegedly 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.</p>

Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, who allegedly 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 out as Wescom chief; Torres assumes post

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Carlos out as Wescom chief; Torres assumes post

Bianca Dava,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 18, 2024 11:40 AM PHT

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Updated May 18, 2024 12:09 PM PHT

Read More:

AFP

VADM Alberto Carlos

RADM Alfonso Torres Jr.

Western Command

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