The Philippine military has replaced a key commander overseeing forces in the South China Sea, including Filipino troops garrisoned on a disputed reef.
Rear Adm. Alfonso Torres Jr. will replace Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos as chief of the Western Command on Palawan island, which is the closest Philippine landmass to the hotly contested Spratly Islands.
The military said in a statement Saturday that the move was part of "ongoing changes in leadership and key positions within the military which is necessary for the institution to adapt to evolving security environment and effectively address emerging challenges."