Army reactivates infantry office

The Philippine Army (PA) on Friday announced the reactivation of the Office of the Chief Infantry in support of the military’s “strategic shift” towards external security operations.

Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the reactivation ceremony was presided over by Army Chief Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido at the Headquarters Philippine Army, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City last 6 February, reaffirming the service’s dedication to “sustaining programs and innovations that will enhance operational readiness and effectiveness.”

Dema-ala said Col. Victorino Seño was designated to head the newly reactivated Army office. 

In his message, Army commanding general, LtGen. Roy Galido, said the reactivation of the office marks a strategic step toward strengthening their force structure and enhancing the capabilities of their infantry units.

Galido said the office would serve as the “nerve center for planning force design, capability development, and the seamless integration of doctrines into operations” that will ensure infantry units will “serve as a formidable and adaptable fighting force” integrated into the military’s external defense strategy.

In response to China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea, the Department of National Defense introduced a new defense strategy for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, known as the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC). 

The CADC aims to enhance the country’s capability to protect and secure its entire territory and exclusive economic zone (EEZ), ensuring that Filipinos can fully benefit from the natural resources within these areas.

The reactivation of the Office of the Chief Infantry came after the launch of the Project Management and Modernization Center (PMMC) in December last year to bolster the organization’s thrust of building a modern, capable and responsive land force.

The PMMC is designed to streamline the Army’s modernization efforts and procurement processes aligned with the military’s shift toward territorial defense operations “amid the changing challenges of times.”