An internal combustion engine fluidly coupled to an exhaust aftertreatment system includes a particulate filter device, a first selective catalytic reduction device disposed upstream relative to a second selective catalytic reduction device, and an injection system disposed to inject a reductant into the exhaust gas feedstream upstream relative to the first selective catalytic reduction device. A method for controlling the internal combustion engine includes monitoring engine operation, and determining an amount of particulate matter stored on the particulate filter based thereon. An amount of reductant stored on the second selective catalytic reduction device and operating conditions associated with the exhaust aftertreatment system are also determined. A process to regenerate the particulate filter is executed only when the amount of reductant stored on the second selective catalytic reduction device is greater than a minimum threshold and the operating conditions are conducive to regenerating of the particulate filter.