AFP: No probe on WESCOM's Carlos over alleged PH-China ‘new model’ deal recording

No investigation is being conducted on Armed Forces of the Philippines - Western Command (AFP-WESCOM) chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos over the alleged recording of a supposed “new model” deal with China, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Friday.

“Wala (none),” AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said in an ambush interview when asked if there is an investigation on Carlos in connection with the issue.

Padilla said the AFP has no move towards Carlos while he is on leave.

“In our case, moving forward sa usaping ito, at this point in time, wala kaming move towards Vice Admiral Carlos because we respect his decision to apply for a leave,” she added.

(In our case, moving forward in this matter, at this point in time, we have no move towards Vice Admiral Carlos because we respect his decision to apply for a leave.)

Earlier reports mentioned about an alleged leak of a recording of a supposed conversation between Carlos and a Chinese Embassy diplomat discussing a “new model” deal on managing Ayungin Shoal, also called Second Thomas Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

On Saturday, the Chinese Embassy said the WESCOM supposedly made an agreement with China on the “new model” for managing the situation at the Ayungin Shoal.

“To follow up on the important consensus between the two heads-of-state to deescalate tension in the South China Sea, the Chinese side and the Philippine side through AFP WESCOM agreed on a ‘new model’ for the management of the situation at Ren'ai Jiao early this year after multiple rounds of discussions,” it said.

Philippine officials have denied the said alleged deal.

Meanwhile, Carlos has taken a personal leave but the AFP said it has nothing to do with the “new model” deal issue with China.

Rear Admiral Alfonso Torres Jr. has been designated acting WESCOM chief.

On Thursday, Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said diplomats should follow the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which states that "it is the duty of all persons... to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State."

She added that they also have a duty not to interfere in the internal affairs of that State, as stated in the Convention.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday said those responsible in recording the alleged conversation should be expelled from the Philippines as this can be considered as a violation of the wiretapping law. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News