Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos, who supposedly confirmed that a “new model” arrangement to ease tension between the Philippines and China during the resupply of the troops at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, has been removed as chief of the military’s Western Command (Wescom). Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Thursday disclosed in a speech to Philippine Navy personnel stationed on Pag-asa Island that Carlos was officially replaced by Rear Adm. Alfonso Torres Jr., who assumed the post of acting Wescom commander on May 7 after Carlos suddenly went on leave. He did not provide any reason for the relief of Carlos.

Ticke, G., & Bautista, J. (2024, May 18). It’s official: Carlos out as chief of Wescom. Philippine Daily Inquirer, pp. A1, A4.