Manila –
The Philippine military has replaced a key commander overseeing forces in the South China Sea, including Philippine troops stationed on a disputed reef.
Vice Admiral Alfonso Torres Jr. will replace Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos as head of the Western Command on Palawan Island, which is the closest to the Philippine landmass in the hotly contested Spratly Islands.
The Army said in a statement Saturday that the move is part of “ongoing changes in leadership and key positions within the Army, which are necessary for the institution to adapt to the changing security environment and effectively address emerging challenges.”
