Teodoro pushes for expansion of Philippine Marine Corps
Members of the Philippine Marines train on the fourth day of the Marine Exercise 2024 (MAREX24) with a physical conditioning activity around the circumferential road of the Headquarters of the 1st Marine Brigade in Maguindanao del Norte, 11 April 2024. 1st Marine Brigade, Philippine Marine Corps handout MANILA — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. called for the expansion of the Philippine Marine Corps, saying its current force structure is not enough to cover the country’s more than 7,600 islands.
Speaking at the Marines’ 76th anniversary celebration on Saturday, Teodoro said the military needs to strengthen its presence across the archipelago, particularly in the Kalayaan Island Group as part of the country’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept.
“As Major General [Bob] Apostol had said, the footprint of the Philippine Marine Corps of four Marine brigades and one service support brigade for 7,600 islands is way, way too small,” Teodoro said.
He added that the expansion must be done urgently but in a sustainable manner, with the necessary bases, equipment, and logistical support to allow the Marines to operate effectively.
Teodoro stressed that the country’s defense strategy should focus more on deterrence rather than simply responding to threats.
“Because of the fact that we need to deter, an effective presence is deterrence, and the name of our game so to speak right now is deterrence rather than reaction,” he said.
According to the defense chief, this would require closer coordination among the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Marines, and Philippine Coast Guard, as well as the establishment of strategic bases in key areas of the country.
“One very vivid reason…the Chinese have reiterated the claim that the Philippine claim to Batanes or the Philippine dominion over Batanes is historically questionable,” he said of the need for a stronger defense posture.
He emphasized that the country must respond by demonstrating its resolve and strengthening its ability to defend its territory.
Meanwhile, Teodoro underscored the importance of working with international partners to improve the capabilities of the Philippine military.
He cited the country’s participation in multilateral exercises and interoperability training with partner nations, and encouraged the Marines to learn from other Marine Corps forces in terms of tactics, equipment, and operations.
He also called for greater investment in developing future military leaders through early leadership training, mentorship, and exchanges with foreign counterparts.