Wescom commander relieved amid West PH Sea call controversy

Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos has been relieved as commander of the Western Command (Wescom) amid controversy over an alleged phone call with a Chinese diplomat regarding the West Philippine Sea.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro confirmed Carlos' relief, and Rear Admiral Alfonso Torres Jr. has been permanently designated as the new Wescom commander.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stated that Carlos' relief was an administrative decision to adapt to the evolving security landscape.

Carlos had previously taken a personal leave, after which claims emerged from China about a recording of a phone conversation between him and a Chinese diplomat regarding a 'new model' for Ayungin Shoal.

AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla denied that Carlos' leave was linked to the Chinese Embassy's claim of a 'new model' deal for Ayungin Shoal, emphasizing the need for a full-time leader with more years in service.