TANAY, Rizal (PIA) – The Philippine Army is set to shift its focus from leading internal security operations to bolstering its territorial defense capabilities to better align with the broader defense priorities of the country.
The 2nd Infantry Division, through its 201st and 202nd Brigades, said that the move is in response to rising territorial challenges, including threats in the country’s sovereignty particularly at the West Philippine Sea.
During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas episode on August 13, 202nd Infantry Brigade Commander Brigadier General Cerilo Balaoro Jr mentioned that the military is in the process of transitioning the lead role in internal security operations to counterparts in the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“We are laying the groundwork for the gradual shifting of the lead role when it comes to ISO, because the numbers of armed groups are minimal and in termed with the law enforcement operation of our PNP,” Balaoro stated.
The gradual transition of command in the operations will be piloted in the province of Cavite, as it is the first province in the Philippines to have achieved stable internal peace and security.
The Army commends Cavite’s success in reducing threats from insurgent groups and maintaining a secure environment for its residents.
The brigade commander boasts that the internal security operations of the Army have resulted to significant success, with efforts to neutralize threats from communist insurgents and other groups.
As these threats gradually decrease, the PNP is expected to take on a greater role in maintaining internal peace and order, recalibrating AFP resources to strengthen the country’s territorial defense front.
Balaoro adds that they are fully prepared to respond to any orders, particularly in escalated situations involving the West Philippine Sea, as part of their commitment in safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.
“The Armed Forces will focus on territorial defense, which is the guidance and order of our Commander-In-Chief. That’s why we are making it faster for the insurgency problem to be over, to end local communist armed conflict,” he said.
He then emphasized that the AFP is accelerating efforts to resolve the insurgency problem, end the local communist armed conflict, and operationalize the peace agreements brokered by the government on or before the end of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr’s term in 2028. (AM/PIA-4A)
