Marcos affirms commitment to national defense

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March 20, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The administration’s commitment to national security remains “firm,” President Marcos said yesterday, as he vowed to continue modernizing the military and to enhance the Philippine Army’s role in external defense.

Speaking during the Army’s 129th anniversary at Fort Bonifacio, Marcos said the demands of the times call for an “agile” and “effective” force prepared to safeguard the nation across new and evolving domains, including its maritime frontiers and the digital space.

“Our commitment to national defense remains firm,” Marcos said.

“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 added.

Marcos, the commander-in-chief, said the 110,000-strong Army must continue to build on its gains in internal security and work with law enforcement agencies to address emerging threats.

“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.

According to Marcos, the Department of National Defense and Armed Forces of the Philippines are monitoring developments on the ground to ensure sustained progress in addressing internal security threats. The DND, AFP and an anti-communist task force continue to strengthen stability in communities and are paving the way for a more effective and orderly transition, he said