The Armed Forces of Philippines' success in its anti-insurgency campaign is validated by the "improved peace and order situation" in the areas formerly influenced by the New People's Army, AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. said Thursday.

Brawner, speaking during the military's 88th founding anniversary at the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, stressed that the country's anti-insurgency campaign is manifested in the local government units' declaration that areas under their jurisdiction are already free from the influence of communist groups and the sympathizers. 

"In keeping with our legacy and valor in the face of countless challenges both internal and external, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has consistently risen to the occasion—towards attaining total victory against all threat groups—your AFP has worked in unity with various partners and stakeholders to attain significant headway on our campaign," said Brawner.

"Our victories are validated by the improved peace and order situation in former influenced areas as manifested in the declaration of the LGUs as insurgency-free, which boosted tourism, investments, and productive interaction across the nation," he added. 

Brawner further noted that the AFP had been able to simultaneously strengthen the Philippine territorial defense operations by heightening the military presence in the country's key maritime domain as well as intensifying the maritime security operations.

He said the effort is in response to the increasing challenges involving the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

"Alongside this, and in order to leave no one behind, we have also continuously contributed in humanitarian assistance and disaster response and peacekeeping missions abroad," Brawner further stressed.

"As we celebrate the achievements of the past, let us turn over gaze towards the future, a future where the AFP goes beyond what is expected in meeting the challenges in these exciting times," he added. 

Brawner said the AFPcurrently "stands at the pivotal juncture" where enhancing the military capabilities "becomes not just an option but a strategic imperative."

 Thus, he added, the AFP will continuously strengthen the reserve force along with the expansion of its regular force in pursuit of sustaining the country's territorial defense operations "at that innovation by building a strong presence in the cyber realm with the establishment of the AFP cyber command."

Brawner said the AFP is keen to create a joint special operations command, reorganize the AFP's presidential security command, and reestablish the AFP counterintelligence group. 

He noted that the AFP will also continuously pursue its modernization program "to leverage cutting edge technologies and strategic partnerships while bearing in mind our pledge to keep the peace and remain as your partners for progress on the ground."

Brawner cited President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s earlier statement that "the Philippines will not give up a single square inch of its territory. 

"We will continue to uphold our territorial integrity and sovereignty in accordance with our institution and with international law," he said. "Therefore with our oath of service being a solemn commitment, we guarantee that every soldier, airman, sailor, and marine will put our people first above all else."

"As such we implore our countrymen to be mindful in our own communities relying on our communal ties and shared values to preempt activities that may undermine our national security, together with every Filipino we will continue the collective security of our nation," Brawner said. 

The military chief also feted and extended a snappy salute to all members of the armed forces for their dedication and sacrifices in service to the people and the nation. 

"I am truly proud and honored to work alongside you,  to those who have supported and cooperated with us, I extend our deepest gratitude for your benevolence to our friends, partners, and allies, collaboration and interaction are invaluable. We look forward to an even stronger and progressive cooperation in the years ahead," said Brawner.