A significant majority 73% of Filipino adults trust the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and are satisfied with its performance, resulting in a net trust rating of +66 and a net performance rating of +68, according to an OCTA Research survey.
In the recent Tugon ng Masa (TNM) survey, results showed that support for the AFP is more pronounced in Mindanao (84%) and the National Capital Region (82%).
While in regions such as Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), MIMAROPA, Caraga, and the Zamboanga Peninsula, the AFP records near-universal trust and satisfaction.
According to the OCTA Research, these results suggest that consistently high levels of public trust and satisfaction with the AFP’s performance may be linked to public perceptions of its integrity, effective service delivery, and its apolitical and professional character as an institution.
The survey also revealed that an overwhelming number (83%) Filipino adults agree that the West Philippine Sea is vital to the country’s maritime entitlements and must be defended, yielding a net agreement rating of +81, showing the strongest support in Metro Manila and Mindanao with 93% and 87% respectively.
Additionally, results found that 78% of Filipino adults believe the AFP can effectively defend the country from external threats, achieving a net agreement rating of +75.
Furthermore, 80% of adults support the AFP’s ongoing security partnerships with the United States and other like-minded nations, with only 1% expressing disagreement.
The OCTA Research indicated that maintaining strong levels of trust and performance relies on the AFP’s commitment to professionalism, institutional integrity, and effective service within the framework of democratic governance.
The face-to-face survey commissioned by AFP was conducted from September 25 to 30, with 1,200 respondents aged 18 and older.
The sampling error margins are ±3% for national percentages and ±6% for each region: Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
In response to this positive development, the AFP reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening a strong, modern, and credible military that the nation can always rely on.
The AFP took note of the broad public support it received across all regions and social classes, particularly in Mindanao, Metro Manila, and BARMM—areas where the organization’s peace and security operations remain active.
The AFP leadership expressed gratitude to the men and women in uniform whose professionalism, discipline, and selfless service continue to inspire public trust.
“Together with the Filipino people, the AFP will continue to build a strong, modern, and credible Armed Forces that our nation can always rely on,” the military said. —With Rex Espiritu
Editor’s Note: This story has been corrected. Previous edition misattributed the survey to the Social Weather Stations. The poll was done by OCTA Research. Reaction from the AFP was also added.
