AFP WESCOM chief on leave, China disputes Ayungin claim denied

Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Western Command (AFP WESCOM), has taken a leave of absence for personal reasons.

The AFP spokesperson, Colonel Francel Padilla, confirmed that Rear Admiral Alfonso Torres Jr. will serve as acting WESCOM chief during Carlos' absence and emphasized that his leave is unrelated to China's claims about an agreement with the Philippines regarding Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

China's foreign ministry spokesperson reiterated the supposed 'new model' agreement made through diplomatic channels, a claim both Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año have denied.

The AFP and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) continue to assert that no agreement was made by officials regarding Ayungin Shoal, while the Philippines addresses repeated aggression by China in the South China Sea.

Carlos' leave has fueled speculation but Padilla downplayed any connection between his absence and Beijing's allegations, stating it is merely coincidental.

Defense Secretary Teodoro described China's claim as an attempt to divide Filipinos and distract them from Chinese unlawful presence in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Carlos will return to his post once his personal leave is over.