The Philippine Army (PA) is eyeing to deploy over a thousand troops in Palawan as part of the military's shift to external defense operations.

Lt. Gen. Donald Gumuiran, the new Army chief confirmed its plan to deploy a brigade-size troop in Palawan to support the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) which was designed to enable the military to protect the maritime territory of the country.

"It is still in the planning stage. And what we are doing now is that we are continuously coordinating with the other services, the Philippine Air Force, the Philippine Navy, and even with the commander of the Western Command, regarding the plan of the Philippine Army to deploy a unit in the province of Palawan," he said.

Palawan faces contested features at Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in the West Philippine Sea.

"The objective (of the Army brigade) is how to help in the intent of the general headquarters as far as the CADC is concerned," he said.

Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala said there is a battalion composed of around 500 troops deployed for Internal Security Operation and training activities in Palawan.

An Army brigade which is composed of at least three battalions is composed of around 1,500 troops. Robina Asido/PHS