Manila, Feb. 28 -- The Philippine Army (PA) on Friday announced the creation of a new advisory council to guide its shift towards external security operations and its ongoing modernization program.

Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala, in a statement, said the newly formed PA Strategic Advisory Council (SAC) held its first meeting at the Philippine Army Officers' Clubhouse in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Thursday.

"Army commanding general Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido and the Army advisors discussed the redefined focus of the council on key reform areas essential for PA's operational and organizational efficiency, effectiveness, and modernization," Dema-ala said.

The PA earlier introduced major reforms in its logistics management, educatio...