The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reaffirmed its role as a stabilizing and unifying institution as it held its Traditional New Year’s Call on Thursday.

AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. said the military remains committed to working in unity with other institutions to ensure lasting peace and security in the country.

“Security is strongest when shared, and peace endures when institutions work together with trust and purpose. The AFP will remain a stabilizing and unifying force, firm in its mandate and respectful of the rule of law,” Brawner said in his address during the event at Camp Aguinaldo, in Quezon City. 

The gathering was attended by the country’s top military leaders and commanders of AFP units nationwide, many of whom were joined by their spouses. They were formally received by General Brawner and his wife, Melody.

In his message, Brawner set the tone for the year ahead, emphasizing clarity of direction, professionalism, and unity of purpose across the organization. 

He said the AFP will continue to build a more capable, joint, and future-ready force as it moves into 2026.

Future-ready force

“As we move into 2026, we do so with clarity of direction. We will continue to build a more capable, joint, and future-ready force — one that values modernization, strengthened leadership, and operational excellence alongside the welfare of our people,” he said.

Brawner underscored that territorial defense remains at the core of the AFP’s mission, guided by readiness, discipline, and professionalism. He added that the military will continue addressing internal security threats while strengthening partnerships with government agencies, allies, friends, and local communities.

“Readiness, discipline, and professionalism will continue to guide how we operate, how we decide, and how we lead,” he said.