NSC ignores China’s claim it had a deal with AFP WESCOM on Ayungin Shoal

AFP WESCOM Head Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos | PHOTO: Official X page of Western Command AFP / @TeamWESCOM

MANILA, Philippines — There is no reason to investigate the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command (AFP WESCOM) head Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos following China’s alleged deal with his unit, said National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya.

China claimed, through an unnamed spokesperson, that there was a new agreement with Philippine officials made through the AFP WESCOM on a “new model” that will manage the dispute in Ayungin Shoal.

READ: China, PH agreed on ‘new model’ for management at Ayungin — Chinese spox  

“In so far as the National Security Council is concerned, we see no reason why we should investigate Vice Admiral Carlos,” said Malaya at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing.

Malaya said there was never an agreement to begin with.

If there was discussion between any Philippine and Chinese crewmen, it ultimately had no bearing, he explained.

“I don’t think there is any cause for the investigation because this narrative coming from China is simply, you know, there to create dissent and sow disinformation,” the NSC official said.

READ: Senior Navy official makes rare trip to Ayungin post

Malaya said that Carlos is a decorated senior Navy official.

“Kawawa naman siya at dinadawit siya dito sa mga insinuations, fake stories and fake news and disinformation coming from the Chinese embassy,” said Malaya.

(It is a pity that he is being dragged into the insinuations, fake stories and fake news and disinformation coming from the Chinese embassy.)