AFP: Wescom chief's leave has nothing to do with China 'new model'

From the Philippine News Agency (May 7, 2024): AFP: Wescom chief's leave has nothing to do with China 'new model' (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla (PNA file photo)

MANILA – Western Command (Wescom) head Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos went on personal leave, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed on Tuesday.

In a media interview, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said Carlos' post was temporarily assumed by Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command chief Rear Admiral Alfonso Torres Jr.

She said Carlos' leave had nothing to do with the "new model" arrangement, which the Chinese Embassy in Manila claimed that Wescom agreed to, with the approval of ranking Philippine government officials.

This agreement was supposed to lower tensions between the two nations regarding the Ayungin Shoal issue.

Padilla said she is not privy to Carlos’ reasons for going on leave.

"Let's leave it at that he applied for personal reasons, let's respect 'yung decision niya (his decision) to file (for leave), it's an inherent right of every individual to go on leave, for whatever reasons," she said.

She said Torres' designation is only effective during the "absence of the incumbent" which started Tuesday.

She added that there is a need for a senior officer to supervise the Wescom in an acting capacity, considering the area's critical importance.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1224224