Manila Philippines — Former Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Command (AFP WESCOM) Commander Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos strongly denied entering into any agreement with Chinese Officials regarding Ayungin Shoal.
“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 Carlos at the hearing of the Senate Committee on National Defense this Wednesday.
However, Carlos admitted that he spoke with the Chinese military attaché in the month of January.
Earlier China said that an agreement in Ayungin shoal, has reached the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier this year.
RELATED: DFA REMINDS DIPLOMATS TO ABIDE VIENNA CONVENTION ON DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS
According to Carlos, the actual conversation between the telephone call took place while WESCOM was conducting an operation inside the exclusive economic zone.
But he insisted that he did not gave permission to the person he was talking to record their conversation.
It is said that amongst being discussed is to lessen the tension in the West Philippines Sea.
“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,” Carlos added.
Since no official from the Chinese embassy showed up in the Senate hearing, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino declared the Chinese diplomat in the Philippines as persona non grata.
But only DFA can declare Persona Non Grata to a diplomat in the country.
Until now, the DFA is still verifying if the Chinese diplomat is involved in the Wiretapping operations, DFA assures, if found liable, they are ready to impose appropriate action.