FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – The Army’s modernization thrust is on track. This is how Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido described the Army’s modernization program that will bolster its shift to territorial defense and will help it fulfill its vital land defense role under the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) during a year-ender meeting with the media on December 23, 2024 at the Philippine Army Officers Clubhouse, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Lt. Gen. Galido outlined the Army’s achievements in 2024 which include the acquisition of modern defense assets under the AFP Revised Modernization Program which is now entering its third and final phase. The Army Chief emphasized that these capabilities will bolster the Army’s readiness to defend national sovereignty and respond effectively to both traditional and non-traditional threats.
He also underscored the importance of bilateral activities with the U.S., our only treaty ally, and other like-minded partner nations in the Indo-Pacific Region. The Army Chief said multilateral and bilateral training exercises such as the annual Salaknib and Balikatan strengthened interoperability with foreign armed forces and enhanced the Army’s ability to operate in complex environments.
“Our modernization is not just about meeting deadlines. It is about building a capable, disciplined and professional land force that the Filipino people can trust,” he said, adding that the continued acquisition of modern defense systems depends on the strategic priorities of higher headquarters and the national leadership. On the Army’s internal security operations, the Army Chief emphasized that the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) now pose an insignificant threat to the country, citing the dramatic reduction of active guerilla fronts from seven at the start of the year to just one before the year ends.
Looking ahead to 2025, Lt. Gen. Galido expressed optimism that the Philippine Army will continue to fulfill its role as a reliable, relevant and responsive force provider to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He concluded the conference by thanking the public for its high level of trust for the Army and the media for their unwavering support throughout the year. “A strong Philippine Army means a secure and prosperous future for our Bagong Pilipinas,” the Army Chief remarked.
