Marcos Orders PH Army: 'Time to Shift From Internal Security to External Defense'

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. just gave the Philippine Army its marching orders — literally. Speaking at the Army's 129th founding anniversary at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, the President directed the military to speed up its transition from fighting domestic threats to defending the country from external ones.

Under the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, the Army is being repositioned to handle external security operations while gradually handing off its internal security role. Marcos highlighted the need for a force that's "agile, effective, and prepared" across new domains — from maritime frontiers to the digital space. Cybersecurity and coastal defense are now front and center.

The President also approved a ₱50-billion budget for the Revised AFP Modernization Program under unprogrammed appropriations of the 2026 national budget. He lauded the annual Combined Arms Training Exercise "Katihan," which integrates infantry, armor, and artillery for rapid deployment and maritime defense. Joint exercises with the PNP and Philippine Coast Guard are also ramping up.

While the shift to external defense is the headline, Marcos made it clear the government isn't abandoning the fight against communist insurgents. The DND and AFP are working with the NTF-Elcac to ensure a smooth transition while maintaining peace gains in conflict-affected communities. The Army also got a shoutout for winning the Anti-Red Tape Authority's Report Card Survey Awards — the only uniformed service to do so.

With tensions in the South China Sea and the Middle East war pushing the Philippines to rethink its defense posture, the Army's new direction couldn't come at a more critical time. As Marcos put it: "You have earned the trust of the Filipino people through your steadfast service. Every day offers an opportunity to deepen and uphold that trust."

Source: The Manila Times