PHILIPPINE ARMY

The beginnings of the Filipino land forces date back before the Spanish
and American colonial period. In that time, clans and barangays from
different regions form their own armed groups primarily composed of
hunters and land fighters. They served as defenders of the tribes or as
warriors sent on strike missions against other barangays. On occasions,
some clan forces would form alliances to attack more powerful
opponents. Conventional weaponry during the pre‐colonial era includes
Kris and Kampilan, Blowguns, and Lantaka. War-fare instruments of the
Filipino forces continued to develop over time.

The Philippine Army (Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas) Army of the

Ground of the Philippines is the main, oldest and largest branch of the
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), responsible for ground warfare.
The service branch was established on December 21, 1935 as the
Philippine Commonwealth Army. The Philippine Army has engaged in
many conflicts including the ongoing Communist rebellion in the
Philippines, the Moro conflict and, alongside other national military
forces, in conflicts of international scope.

Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas is the principal and oldest branch of the

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) located at Fort Andres
Bonifacio, Taguig City Metro Manila. With 11 divisions and special
units scattered in the islands of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao; the PA
is responsible for defending the country through land combat and
operations.
For 122 years, the Philippine Army served as the protector of the
Filipinos and a key player of nation building. Today, the Philippine
Army continues to innovate its forces and victor against all battles and
threats to serve the people and secure the land.

The Philippine Army consists of 11 infantry divisions, 1 armor division,

1 combined arms brigade, 1 artillery regiment, 5 engineering brigades, 1
aviation regiment, and 7 combat support units which are spread
throughout the Philippine Archipelago.

Commonwealth Period (1935–1946)

The Philippine Army of today was initially organized under the National
Defense Act of 1935 (Commonwealth Act No. 1) that formally created
the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The act specified that insofar as
may be practicable, original appointments by the President in grades
above third lieutenant should be made from among former holders of
reserve commissions in the United States Army, from among former
officers of the Philippine Scouts and Constabulary.

After the establishment of the Philippine Commonwealth on November

15, 1935, President Manuel L. Quezon sought the services of General of
the Army Douglas MacArthur (also Philippine Army Field Marshal) to
evolve a national defense plan. The official rebirth of the Philippine
Army occurred with the passage of Commonwealth Act No. 1, approved
on December 21, 1935, which effected the organization of a Council of
National Defense and of the Army of the Philippines. The act set forth
the organizational structure of the army in some detail, set forth
enlistment procedures, and established mobilization procedures.[13]
With this act, the AFP was officially established.

VEHICLES
Jose Rizal class frigate