Stronger, safer, united: AFP marks 2025 with declining threat, expanded capabilities

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) capped off 2025 with major gains in internal security, modernization, disaster response, and international defense cooperation, signaling steady progress toward a more capable and agile military force ahead of 2026.

In a year-end assessment, the AFP reported a continued weakening of both Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) and Local Terrorist Groups (LTGs), citing focused military operations, strengthened community engagement, and close coordination with partner agencies.

More than 2,000 CTG members were neutralized during the year, with over 1,500 firearms seized. LTGs also suffered significant setbacks, with 275 members neutralized and more than 300 firearms recovered.

The AFP noted that no large-scale attacks attributed to domestic terrorist groups occurred in 2025, reflecting a sharp decline in their operational capability.

In Mindanao, long considered a conflict-affected region, LTG manpower dropped dramatically—from 1,257 in 2016 to just 50 in 2025. The neutralization of 28 high-value individuals, including 10 key leaders, further disrupted remaining groups, which authorities described as fragmented and largely defensive.

Alongside security operations, the AFP highlighted progress in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) programs, reintegration initiatives, and community participation, which collectively reduced recruitment and strengthened local resilience.

Beyond combat operations, the AFP played a critical role in humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) throughout the year.

Domestically, military units supported rescue and relief efforts during Super Typhoon Uwan and major earthquakes, including the 6.9-magnitude quake in Cebu and the 7.4 and 6.7 doublet earthquakes in Davao Oriental. AFP personnel conducted search and rescue missions, airlift operations, damage assessments, and community support activities.

Internationally, the Philippines deployed AFP personnel to Myanmar in July as part of the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent to assist in earthquake response. Inter-agency exercises such as Pagsasanay SANLAKAS in November further strengthened coordination and interoperability during large-scale emergencies.

Modernization efforts also accelerated in 2025. The Philippine Air Force received additional SF-260 training aircraft and commissioned 10 new S-70 Black Hawk helicopters, significantly enhancing air mobility and training capacity. The Philippine Navy expanded its fleet with the commissioning of two guided-missile frigates—BRP Miguel Malvar and BRP Diego Silang—and a locally assembled Fast Attack Interdiction Craft.

On land, the Philippine Army activated its first Ground-Launched Missile Battalion, while the Philippine Marine Corps unveiled its inaugural BrahMos shore-based anti-ship missile battery.

The AFP also reported advances in cyber defense, intelligence, surveillance, and human resource development to support multi-domain operations.

International defense cooperation deepened through large-scale exercises and maritime engagements. The AFP successfully conducted Exercise Balikatan 2025 with the United States, Australia, and Japan, and Exercise ALON 25 with Australia.

Throughout the year, the Philippines participated in multiple maritime cooperative activities with partners including Japan, India, France, Canada, and New Zealand, underscoring a shared commitment to regional security and stability.

Additional service-to-service engagements further strengthened joint and bilateral readiness through combined land maneuvers, aerial interoperability training, and coordinated naval operations.

Internally, the AFP implemented sweeping organizational reforms to support Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense in 2025.

Key initiatives included the activation of the AFP Joint Sustainment Command in September to centralize logistics and support functions; the establishment of the AFP Strategic Command in October to integrate intelligence, planning, and operations; and the creation of the AFP Civil-Military Operations Command in November, following the deactivation of CRSAFP, to strengthen strategic communication and community engagement.

The AFP also activated the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) in May to unify its special operations forces, and reactivated the National Capital Region Command (NCRCom) in February to strengthen internal security and crisis response in Metro Manila.

Together, these reforms enhance the AFP’s integration, agility, and adaptability, positioning it to better address emerging security challenges.

As it enters 2026, the AFP said it will focus on sustaining internal security gains, enhancing multi-domain defense capabilities, and further strengthening strategic partnerships. Military leaders emphasized that continued public support, inter-agency cooperation, and international collaboration remain vital to safeguarding national security.