AFP says Wescom chief's leave not connected to China's claim

MANILA — Western Command chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos has taken a leave of absence for personal reasons, the Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed on Tuesday.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, however, noted that Carlos’ leave had nothing to do with an alleged “new model” arrangement that the Chinese embassy in Manila claimed that the Wescom has agreed to.

“He [VADM Alberto Carlos] filed for leave. No connection to the new model,” Padilla told ABS-CBN News in a Viber message.

The Chinese embassy over the weekend claimed the AFP Wescom made an agreement with China on a so-called “new model” for managing the situation in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

The “new model” was allegedly approved by the Philippine government, including the Department of National Defense, the embassy claimed.

The AFP has denied this.

“The AFP denies the claim made by the Embassy of China in Manila that the AFP Western Command has agreed to a new model for the conduct in Ayungin Shoal. The AFP is a professional organization that operates within the framework of the Philippines government and in accordance with national policies,” Padilla told reporters in a press briefing in Laoag City earlier in the day.

Padilla did not give further details on the duration and reason of Carlos’ leave.

Commodore Alfonso Torres Jr. will temporarily serve as acting Wescom chief.