CLASSMATES of Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), who went on leave last week as chief of the AFP Western Command (Wescom) amid talks of a supposed “new model” arrangement with China, threw support to the Navy officer.
The members of the PMA Makatao Class 1989 said they “stand firmly with our mistah (classmate)” who they described as a “distinguished Filipino military officer of unwavering integrity, patriotism and honorable service throughout his professional career.”
The statement was signed by the president of the class, retired Army Lt. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr who is now executive director of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) with the rank of undersecretary.
Some of prominent members of the class are incumbent Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner, Navy chief Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr and former Marines commandant Maj. Gen. (retired) Ariel Caculitan, now an undersecretary at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs.
In his Facebook page, Caculitan called Carlos “one of the finest officers and excellent achievers of the Philippine Navy. Hardworking, bemedaled, and a true patriot.”
In their statement, PMA Class 1989 members emphasized Carlos’ “exemplary character” as a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and an awardee of The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers which it said “serve as a beacon of inspiration for all those who have had the privilege of serving alongside him.”
“It is our firm belief that dedication to duty, honor, and country exemplifies the highest standards of military service and leadership, reflecting the core principles of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.”
Carlos, as Wescom chief, supervises operations in the West Philippine Sea. He went on personal leave on Tuesday last week amid reports that he agreed with a Chinese diplomat on a “new model” that seeks to avoid conflict during Philippine resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal.
The arrangement, supposedly reached last January, was disclosed by the Chinese embassy a few weeks ago. Government officials denied the existence of the agreement.
Recently, the Chinese embassy said it has audio recording of Carlos and the Chinese diplomat discussing the arrangement and even provided a transcript of the conversation.
Under the supposed new model, Philippines will deploy only one coast guard vessel and a resupply vessel during resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal and China will also deploy one coast guard vessel and a fishing boat.
The Philippine government would also notify the Chinese government two days prior to the resupply mission; Philippines will only be bringing food and water to Filipino troops at the shoal; and Philippines and China will have close communication during such missions.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has said he doubts the authenticity of the recording, “given the propensity of the Chinese government to engage in maligned information activities.”
Brawner has urged the media and the public to handle reports on the new model with care and avoid spreading unverified information.
