The Philippine military has appointed a new commander for the Western Command, responsible for operations in the East Sea. Rear Admiral Alfonso Torress Jr. will replace Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos as commander of the Philippine Western Command (Wescom) on Palawan island. This island’s west coast is adjacent to the East Sea and is the nearest Philippine island to the Truong Sa archipelago.
According to Xerxes Trinidad, head of the Public Relations Office of the Philippine army, the transfer of Rear Admiral Alfonso Torres Jr. was an administrative decision made in response to changing security environments and emerging challenges. However, former Wescom commander Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos was involved in a scandal after being recorded compromising with a Chinese diplomat. Mr. Carlos has been placed on temporary leave due to personal matters by the Philippine military.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila claimed to have the recording but has not released its full content yet. In addition, lawmakers are questioning the behavior of Chinese diplomats in secretly recording conversations with military officials, prompting an investigation into alleged illegal activities by Chinese coast guard ships near Co May Beach in the East Sea. The incident involving Co May Bank ship BRP Sierra Madre has been used as an outpost by the Philippines since 1999 to maintain a presence in the area.
