AFTER a few weeks of personal leave, former AFP WesCom Chief Alberto Carlos appeared at the Senate hearing and refuted the alleged new model agreement with China.
According to Carlos, he did not enter into any agreement with China.
“I did not forge any agreement at the level and magnitude that would bind our two countries for the long term and redefine foreign policy. I am only the commander of the Western Command and not even of the entire West Philippine Sea,” said Alberto Carlos, Ex-WesCom Chief.
He stated that his phone call conversation with the Chinese Military Attaché lasted only 3-5 minutes.
He claimed that it was the Chinese Military Attaché who initiated the call, and they only discussed in a casual manner how to ease tensions in the West Philippine Sea under their RORE Operation.
“I did not initiate the call… We talked about how to reduce the tension in the West Philippine Sea, particularly during our rotation and resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal… coming from the December 2023 RORE where our supply ships were water cannoned and we were planning for our next RORE,” Carlos added.
Ex-WesCom Chief Carlos unfazed by wiretapping by Chinese Military Attaché
Carlos also stated that he did not consent to the Chinese Military Attaché recording their conversation.
He also did not ask for permission for the recording.
Despite this, Carlos said he did not feel upset with the Chinese Military Attaché.
NBI Investigating Wiretapping Incident Involving Chinese Military Attaché
The NBI has begun its investigation into the wiretapping issue.
The PNP will also conduct its own investigation in coordination with the NBI.
However, both the NBI and PNP do not yet have the audio recording in question.
It was revealed that the news article regarding the new agreement was based on statements from Chinese officials.
During the Senate hearing, no representative from the Chinese Embassy attended.
There will be further hearings on this matter, but Sen. Robin Padilla suggested not to invite Carlos to the next inquiry.
“I would like to request, Admiral Alberto Carlos is no longer here. He explained earlier, their conversation was casual. We all believe those in the field, perhaps it’s just natural. It’s not their fault if they talk there. We don’t have a formal declaration of them as our enemy. As the DOJ neighbor said, we don’t have a formal conflict there. For me, next time, Gen Carlos should not be here because I think it would be better if our military is not involved in inquiries like this concerning espionage, wiretapping,” stated Sen. Robin Padilla, Republic of the Philippines.
The DFA stated that they will conduct inner consultations on how to address the wiretapping issue with China.
