Philippine Army (PA) chief Lt. General Roy Galido on Saturday, March 22, underscored the change in focus of the Army from internal security operations (ISO), which involves battling threats such as communist rebels and local terrorists, to territorial defense which includes external factors.
In his speech during the 128th founding anniversary of the 110,000-strong Army in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Galido stressed that the PA has been continuously evolving to meet new challenges and remain as the backbone of the nation’s security.
“For decades, the Army has significantly contributed to the decline of the communist and local terrorist groups, ensuring peace and stability within our borders. A threat evolves, so must we. Our focus now is on territorial defense, protecting our lands, coastline, and sovereignty,” he said.
The Army has been vocal about its intention to procure long-range and mid-range missile systems amid the tensions with China in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Galido said the shift in their priority aligns with the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC), a strategy developed by the Department of National Defense (DND) which seeks to develop the country’s capability to protect and secure the entire Philippine territory and exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and ensure that all the bounties of the natural resources within them will be freely reaped by the Filipinos.
He said this would ensure that the Army works seamlessly with the Philippine Navy (PN) and Philippine Air Force (PAF) to defend the vast national territory.
“Our role is clear to safeguard the land domain while supporting coastal and littoral operations,” he said.
To address the challenge, Galido said he has reconfigured the Army troops in ways that make them more agile and effective.
Among the changes include the creation of the Combat Engineer Regiment to ensure the protection of key strategic locations, fortify their bases, and secure mobility corridors.
The role of the Army’s reserve forces in internal and external security operations was also redefined by Galido, with emphasis on the new functions of the Community Defense Centers and the Regional Community Defense Groups in training civilians who are willing to undergo military service as reserve personnel.
Recognizing the need for accuracy and real-time battlefield awareness, Galido said he also upgraded the Army’s reconnaissance capabilities "to ensure that the troops are always prepared to respond with precision and efficiency."
Likewise, he said infantry battalions have been restructured to make them “lighter, more mobile, and more strategically positioned to defend the nation's interests.”
To bolster the Army’s ranks, the Army chief underscored the importance of revitalized training programs and the “One Recruitment Program” designed to ensure only the most capable applicants are recruited, while highlighting the progress in gender equality with over 200 female officers now leading various Army units nationwide.
He also led a solemn tribute to 26 soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation, followed by a resolute declaration of the Army's preparedness to defend Philippine sovereignty against any threats.
The highlight of the event was the achievements notched during the Combined Arms Training Exercise (Catex) Katihan, a large-scale mobilization strengthening the Army’s ability to deploy troops rapidly in times of crisis. More than 6,000 personnel joined the training.
“One of the most significant achievements of this exercise was the mobilization of units in Visayas and Mindanao, demonstrating a robust command and control capability across the nation,” Galido said.
Three soldiers were also honored by the PA for their courage in action.
The Distinguished Conduct Star was awarded to Maj. Jestoni V. Labarosa for his acts of conspicuous courage and gallantry during a significant encounter in Zamboanga Sibugay Province, while Gold Cross Medals were awarded to Cpt. Dexter S. Dauan and Sgt. Raymund L. Causing for their gallantry in action during military operations in Negros Occidental and Maguindanao del Sur, respectively.
Way forward
Over the next six years, Galido said the Army will be making significant investments in its capability to ensure it remains a formidable force.
He said this includes the activation of its seaborne and air defense units to extend the Army’s operational reach.
The Army will also restructure its command system to transform its training command and sustainment command and streamline the troops’ training and logistical functions, he added.
“The Philippine Army is a force built on experience, bolstered by victories and trials of long years of service and sacrifice. For 128 years, we have stood at the forefront, guarding, defending, and securing our people with discipline and resolve,” Galido said.
“Our mission is clear. We are here to fight if we must, to defend what is ours, and to ensure that no adversary, foreign or domestic, threatens our sovereign territory,” he added.