The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday reported significant gains in the country’s domestic security situation, citing a sharp decline in terrorist manpower and improved stability across previously conflict-affected areas of Mindanao.

In a statement, the AFP said the strength of local terrorist groups (LTGs) has dropped dramatically from 1,257 members in 2016 to just 50 in 2025, following nearly a decade of sustained security operations, peace-building initiatives, and community engagements.

The military attributed much of the decline to the disruption of terrorist leadership.

From 2016 to 2025, government forces neutralized 28 high-value individuals (HVIs) through armed encounters, arrests, and surrenders.

Ten of those neutralized were identified as amirs or group leaders affiliated with the Abu Sayyaf Group, Maute Group, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and other Islamic State-inspired factions operating in Mindanao.

From 2017 to 2025, government security operations steadily dismantled terrorist leadership in Mindanao, beginning with the killing of Maguid Group leader Mohammad Jaafar Maguid alias Tokboy in January 2017. This was followed by the neutralization of Maute Group amir Abdullah Romato Maute and Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon later that year, the deaths of Maute Group leaders Owaida Marohombsar and Hassan Group head Salahuddin Hassan in 2019 and 2021, the surrender of Turaifie Group leader Esmael Abdulmalik in 2023, the killing of DI–Maute leaders Fahrudin Hadji Satar and Khadafi Mimbesa as well as BIFF leader Muhiddin Animbang in 2023 and 2024, and most recently, the death of DI–Hassan Group leader Mohammad Usman Solaiman during an encounter on 7 December 2025.

According to the AFP, the loss of senior leaders has created a leadership vacuum within remaining LTGs, weakening command structures and reducing their capacity to plan and sustain operations.

The military said remaining elements are now fragmented, largely defensive, and possess limited operational reach.

The AFP also noted a steady downtrend in terrorist capabilities, including manpower, firearms, territorial influence, and violent incidents. It emphasized that no terrorist training activities, organized recruitment efforts, or large-scale attacks by domestic LTGs have been recorded since 2016.

Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) programs were cited as a key factor in sustaining these gains.

The AFP said community-based initiatives, livelihood support, and cooperation with local leaders have encouraged surrenders and reintegration, while reducing susceptibility to extremist recruitment.

Security conditions in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have likewise improved, according to the AFP.

Basilan has been declared free of Abu Sayyaf presence, while Jolo, Sulu, and nearby areas are seeing renewed economic activity and tourism, “reflecting growing public confidence and a return to normalcy.”

Citing its current assessments, the AFP said terrorism threat levels in several areas of Western and Central Mindanao have been downgraded from high to low.

While global extremist networks continue to exploit cyberspace, the AFP said there are no indications of imminent domestic terrorist threats.

The military said it remains vigilant and committed to sustaining peace, security, and development nationwide, while continuing information-sharing and coordination with international partners.

It also noted that in regions such as South Asia, the Sahel, and Central Africa, Islamic State-linked groups remain active, underscoring the need for sustained international collaboration against terrorism.