The Armed Forces of the Philippines is committed to becoming more dynamic and capable this year as it ends 2023 with "notable achievements" in its efforts to ensure regional peace and maintain national security. 

The AFP on New Year's Day reported its significant milestone in the cou try fight against the Communist Party of the Philippines' armed wing, New People's Army—commonly also known as the Communist Terrorist Group. 

For the year 2023, the military organization dismantled 8 guerilla fronts and weakened 14 guerilla fronts operating nationwide.

As of December, the AFP said there are no more active CTG guerilla fronts.

The AFP's focused military operations have resulted in the neutralization of 67 high-value individuals—operating either for CPP-NPA or other local terrorist groups in the country. 

These top leaders include Dionisio Macabalo alias "Muling/Kardo"—who was the Secretary of the NPA's North Central Mindanao Regional Committee as well as Farahudin Pumbaya Pangalian, alias Abu Zacharia, who was the Amir of DI-Philippines and overall Amir Islamic State-East Asia.

The AFP also neutralized at least 1,399 members of CPP-NPA and other local terrorist groups, with 1,751 firearms captured, confiscated, recovered, or surrendered.

Col. Xerxes Trinidad, AFP Public Affairs chief, said these accomplishments "have significantly reduced the capability of these groups to carry out violent attacks against our security forces and local communities."

"As a result, the government can now safely implement its programs towards building a more progressive country," he added. 

The 2023 also marks the AFP's shift to Territorial Defense Operations after its notable achievements in its Internal Security Operations. 

Trinidad said the AFP is "putting more effort into guaranteeing awareness and security in the maritime domain."

Amid the challenges in the West Philippine Sea—a portion of South China that is being subjected to Beijing's aggression—the AFP was able to conduct at least 28 Rotation and Reprovision (RoRe) operations and 820 Maritime and Air Patrols in the area throughout the year.