Torres replaces Carlos as Western Command chief

The military official named by the Chinese embassy as the one who approved a “new model” for managing the BRP Sierra Madre issue has been relieved of his post as commander of the military’s Western Command (WESCOM) which has territorial jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

- MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said the relief of Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos has nothing to do with China’s allegations that he had been speaking and negotiating with Chinese authorities regarding the Sierra Madre issue. The AFP did not reveal any new assignment for Carlos, who remains on leave.