AFP @ 2024: Dynamic, capable of defending Phl 

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.

Intensified bilateral agreements with the country's allies and partners came into effect as part of the resolution of the security concerns in the WPS, coinciding with the strong promotion of the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region. 

Aside from its mandate to defend the nation, the AFP has taken on non-traditional roles, such as supporting various humanitarian and disaster response operations both within and outside the country.

"The soldiers deployed across the nation have become the first responders in all kinds of disasters – be they natural or man-made," Trinidad said. 

"Notably, our troops also participated in the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent during the devastating earthquake in Turkey," he added. 

The success of the AFP operations is also reflected in its high satisfaction ratings of +85 percent in a recent survey conducted by a leading research company in the country. 

"These outstanding ratings reflect the AFP's remarkable accomplishments and its crucial role in safeguarding the nation," Trinidad stressed. 

Welcoming the year 2024, Trinidad said the AFP is committed to building a more dedicated, professional, and modernized AFP equipped "to meet the evolving challenges of the 21st century."

"Our efforts for internal security will be sustained to finally end the local threats and communist armed conflict," Trinidad said. 

Further, Trinidad said the AFP will strengthen its presence and maritime security efforts to protect the country's sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdictions in its maritime domain in the WPS. 

The AFP is also eyeing more joint activities with its allied forces and like-minded nations with their shared commitment to peace, security, and international cooperation.

In the beginning of 2024, AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. acknowledged the new challenges and opportunities that arise as well as the demands of collective efforts and expertise of the military organization. 

However, Brawner believes that the AFP will be able to cope with whatever challenges will come its way. 

"I am confident that we will rise to the occasion and overcome whatever obstacles come our way. Therefore, let us embrace the coming year with a reinforced commitment to our mission and shared values," the AFP chief said.