Philippine Army (PA) chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido delivers his message during the PA’s 128th founding anniversary celebration in Fort Bonifacio on Saturday (March 22, 2025). He said the Army has shifted its focus from internal security to territorial defense. (Screenshot from live stream)
Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Roy Galido announced on Saturday that the Army is undergoing a transformation to better respond to emerging national security threats.
Speaking at the Army’s 128th founding anniversary celebration at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, Galido emphasized a significant shift in the Army’s mission—from a longstanding focus on internal security to a renewed commitment to territorial defense in light of rising external threats.
“For 128 years, the Philippine Army has stood as a pillar of bravery, sacrifice, and dedicated service to the nation,” Galido said. “We are evolving to meet the challenges of our time. Our focus is now firmly on protecting our territory, coastline, and sovereignty.”
Galido highlighted the Army’s continued role in suppressing communist and local terrorist groups, which he said had contributed greatly to peace and stability across the country. However, he stressed that the changing threat landscape requires the PA to adapt its strategies and capabilities.
This transition is in line with the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC), a strategic framework that calls for joint operations between the Army, Navy, and Air Force to defend the Philippines’ extensive territory. Under this concept, the PA is tasked with securing the land domain while providing vital support to coastal and littoral operations.
“To meet these new demands, we have restructured our forces to be more agile and responsive,” Galido said. “The establishment of a Combat Engineer Regiment enhances our ability to secure strategic locations, fortify key bases, and maintain vital mobility corridors.”
He also noted improvements in the Army’s reserve forces, which are now being integrated more effectively into both internal and external security roles. Community defense centers and regional defense groups are being modernized to support this effort.
In addition, Galido underscored the Army’s enhanced reconnaissance capabilities, aimed at ensuring real-time battlefield awareness. Infantry units have been reorganized to become lighter, more mobile, and better positioned for rapid response.
“With these changes, we are building a stronger, more capable, and future-ready force—one that stands ready to defend our nation’s interests at every turn,” Galido said.