Rear Adm. Alfonso Torres Jr. replaces Carlos as WESCOM chief

Rear Admiral Alfonso Torres Jr. is the new commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Western Command (AFP WESCOM), replacing Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos who took a leave of absence due to personal reasons.

In a statement released on Saturday, AFP Public Affairs Office (AFP PAO) chief Xerxes Trinidad said Torres’s designation “is an administrative decision of the AFP.”

“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,” it said in a statement.

According to the AFP PAO, the WESCOM requires an experienced “full-time leader” 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,” the AFP PAO said.

Prior to this, Carlos was facing alleged recording of a supposed “new model” deal with China for managing the situation in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla, however, denied that Carlos' leave was linked to the Chinese Embassy's claim that the AFP WESCOM entered into such an agreement.

Padilla said no investigation will be conducted while Carlos is on 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.

Philippine officials denied the existence of such a deal. —VAL, GMA Integrated News