By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Citing personal reasons, Western Command (Wescom) head Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos went on personal leave amid the controversy generated by China’s “new model” claim supposedly to lower tensions between the two nations regarding the Ayungin Shoal issue.
This was confirmed on Tuesday (7 May 2024) by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla who said Carlos’ leave had nothing to do with the “new model” arrangement.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila earlier claimed that Wescom agreed to, with the approval of ranking Philippine government officials.
“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,” Padilla said.
It was learned that Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command chief Rear Admiral Alfonso Torres Jr temporarily assumed Carlos’ post.
Padilla said she is not privy to Carlos’ reasons for going on leave, adding that Torres’ designation is only effective during the “absence of the incumbent” which started Tuesday.
She further said Carlos would return to his post once his leave was over.
(el Amigo/MNM)