Wescom chief, 3 other AFP officers promoted

THE commander of the AFP Western Command (Wescom), which supervises all military operations in the disputed West Philippine Sea (WPS), had been promoted to the rank of vice admiral.

The promotion of Alfonso Torres Jr, from rear admiral, came more than a month after the head of the major unit based in Puerto Princesa City, Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, was reassigned.

Carlos first took a leave of absence amid allegations that he entered into a “new model” arrangement with a Chinese diplomat early this year. Carlos has denied entering into the agreement which reportedly seeks to manage tension in the WPS.

Torres was installed initially as acting commander of the unit on May 7 but he was later named full-time Wescom commander. Torres was commander of the Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command based in Zambales prior to his designation as Wescom commander.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr led the donning of ranks ceremony for Torres and three other newly-promoted officials at the AFP general headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo yesterday.

AFP deputy chief of staff for operations Brig. Gen. Jimmy Larida was promoted to higher rank of major general, Constancio Arturo Reyes Jr from captain to commodore, and Col. Roman Dioso to brigadier general.

Reyes is Wescom deputy commander for external defense operations while Dioso is the Wescom deputy commander for internal defense operations.

In his remarks, Brawner said the promotion of the four officials to the higher rank comes with greater responsibilities and expectations.

“Be reminded that you are now entrusted with the well-being of your subordinates and the success of our mission, especially in the West Philippine Sea, in support of our territorial defense operations while upholding our core values of honor, service, and patriotism,” said Brawner.