Amid the continued efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to shift its focus on territorial defense of the country, the Philippine Army is planning to deploy more troops to augment the military forces guarding the occupied features and Islands in the West Philippines Sea.

In an interview with reporters at the headquarters of the Philippine Army in Taguig City on Tuesday, Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido assures that troops are "highly mobile" and are always ready to augment the military forces manning the Islands and features in the West Philippine Sea.

"Soon... I'm just waiting for them to call in the Army," he said when asked when more Army troops will be deployed in West Philippines Sea.

"Yes, we're ready as you learned and based on our Katihan ( Katex for Combined Arms Training) exercises, the Army right now is highly mobile and very agile. It can be lifted. A battalion size of 500 men unit can always be lifted anytime," he added.

Galido, who joined the training routine of the elite naval special operations unit of the Philippine Navy at the Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite City over the weekend, emphasized the importance of cross-training between the Navy and Army forces of the AFP.

"Interoperability when it comes to maritime is now very important. The Navy is out there, that's one role of the Army. How can the Army complement the efforts of the Philippine Navy and the special units in terms of seaborne operation, which the Army has a capability as well," he said.

"We always have this cross-training. It's not only the Army training with the Navy. Navy has a special skill set that the Army needs to acquire. The Navy also trains with the Army. So, there is always cross-training among branches of service. This cross-training builds good working relationship and the very strong foundation for interoperability," he added.

Col. Louie Dema-ala, Philippine Army public affairs office chief said Galido's visit to the Naval Special Operations Command (NAVSOCOM) of the Philippine Navy last June 7, underscores the continuing cooperation between different branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Dema-ala said "NAVSOCOM is a separate command of the Philippine Navy trained in special operations, sabotage, psychological and unconventional warfare."

"The Army chief's visit comes as the Philippine military continues to modernize and enhance inter-service cooperation amid evolving security challenges in the region," he added. Robina Asido/DMS