PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday directed the Philippine Army (PA) to continue advancing its defense capabilities amid the new threats that the country is facing. Speaking during the PA’s 129th founding anniversary at its headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Marcos called for closer coordination with law enforcement agencies and stressed the importance of readiness across evolving domains, including maritime and digital security “The demands of our time call for a force that is agile, effective, and prepared to safeguard our nation across new and evolving domains—from our maritime frontiers to the digital space,” Marcos said. “To meet this challenge, this Administration remains steadfast in modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines, while advancing meaningful peace-building initiatives at the grassroots. These are anchored in dialogue, trust, and a shared vision of inclusive progress,” he added. The President said that the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) continued to monitor developments to sustain progress in addressing internal security concerns. Marcos also highlighted the role of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) in promoting community stability through programs such as the Barangay Development Program. “Our commitment to national defense remains firm. We are strengthening the Philippine Army’s role in external defense through the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept. This concept enables the Army to perform External Security Operations while gradually transitioning its Internal Security Operations,” he said. Marcos lauded the annual Combined Arms Training Exercise “Katihan,” which integrates infantry, armor, and artillery to enhance rapid deployment and maritime defense. “Through the integration of infantry, armor, and artillery, we enhance rapid deployment and reinforce maritime defense,” Marcos said. “We also invest in capacity-building through interagency exercises among the AFP, the PNP, Philippine Coast Guard, and this we have been doing since 2025. These efforts deepen coordination and readiness across all our institutions,” he added. This comes as the government continues to monitor residual domestic threats, including that of communist guerillas, and sustain stability efforts in conflict-affected communities. The President said the DND and the AFP were working in parallel with the NTF-Elcac to ensure a smooth and orderly shift, while maintaining gains in peace and security. Marcos also recognized the Army’s recent achievements, including its distinction as the only uniformed service recipient of the Anti-Red Tape Authority’s Report Card Survey Awards 2.0 and a Bronze Award from the Civil Service Commission for excellence in human resource management. He cited the military’s partnership with the Department of Science and Technology in developing the Control-Operated Battle-Ready Armament, describing it as a step toward strengthening the country’s self-reliant defense posture and local defense industry. The President urged soldiers to uphold integrity, discipline, and public trust as they take on a broader role in national defense. “To carry this momentum, I encourage the Army to exemplify integrity, discipline, and professionalism as these are the bedrocks of your institution. You have earned the trust of the Filipino people through your steadfast service. Every day offers an opportunity to deepen and uphold that trust,” Marcos said. Carrying the theme, “Ang Inyong Matatag na Hukbong Katihan,” the event highlighted the Army’s crucial role in safeguarding national security, supporting nation-building efforts, and enhancing disaster response capabilities. This year’s celebration showcases modernization initiatives and improved training to strengthen the PA’s readiness and professionalism.