Alberto Carlos

Alberto Bernardo Carlos (born December 1967) is a vice admiral in the Philippine Navy who headed the Armed Forces of the Philippines–Western Command (AFP–WESCOM).

Education Carlos graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1989 as part of the Makatao class.

The PMA would send him to the United States Naval Academy in 1989, obtaining a bachelor's degree in computer science with merit. He finished a general staff course.

Western Command Then-President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Carlos to head the Armed Forces of the Philippines–Western Command on January 17, 2022. The position deals with the Philippines' military engagements which involves it's sovereign claims in the South China Sea territorial dispute.

He had been personally been on board in resupply mission by the Philippines for features they occupy in the South China Sea such as the mission for Second Thomas Shoal in December 2023 and another in February 2024 where he sustained injury from water canons fired by China Coast Guard ships. On November 20, 2024, he was succeeded by Major general of 19th Commander Westmincom Antonio Gustilo Nafarrete in an acting capacity upon the retirement of Lt. General William Gonzales.

Supposed China 'new model' agreement and removal On May 7, 2024, Alfonso Torres Jr. was appointed as acting commander of WESCOM after Carlos went on a leave.

Torres' role would be made permanent and Carlos' removal was officially characterized as motivated by an "administrative decision".

In a Senate inquiry, Carlos would admit to having a conversation but denied it was about such "new model" and insist he did not consent to the interaction being recorded. He said he was expecting a customary New Year's wishes with the Chinese military attache with the embassy whom he identified as "Colonel Li". Carlos said they did discuss reducing tensions in the South China Sea in general without committing to a new model or similar agreement as China is insinuating. On 18 May 2024, Carlos was eventually replaced by then-Rear Admiral Alfonso Torres Jr.

Personal life Alberto has an older brother in the Philippine National Police; Dionardo Carlos who served as Police Chief.