The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) capped 2025 with major gains across the country’s security landscape, citing reduced internal threats, accelerated modernization, strengthened disaster response, and deeper international defense partnerships.
In a year-end assessment, the AFP reported steady progress toward building a more modern, agile, and mission-ready force as it prepares for the challenges of 2026.
Communist, local terrorist groups weakened
The AFP said internal security conditions continued to improve in 2025, with Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) suffering further declines in manpower and operational capability.
More than 2,000 CTG members were neutralized during the year, while over 1,500 firearms were seized through focused military operations, enhanced community engagement, and close coordination with partner agencies.
Local Terrorist Groups (LTGs) were likewise weakened, with 275 members neutralized and more than 300 firearms recovered.
The military noted that intensified operations, alongside peace-building and community support initiatives, eroded LTG command structures and territorial influence.
No large-scale attacks linked to domestic terrorist groups were recorded in 2025, signaling a sharp drop in their operational reach.
Domestic security gains sustained
The AFP highlighted major improvements in domestic security, particularly in former conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.
LTG manpower declined from 1,257 in 2016 to just 50 in 2025, while 28 high-value individuals — including 10 key leaders — were neutralized over the same period, disrupting remaining group operations.
“Indicators show continued declines in manpower, firearms, territorial influence, and violent incidents, with remaining elements now fragmented and defensive. PCVE programs, reintegration efforts, and community participation further reduced recruitment and strengthened local resilience,” the military said.
Robust disaster response operations
In humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR), the AFP mounted extensive operations both domestically and abroad.
AFP units supported rescue and relief efforts nationwide during Super Typhoon Uwan and several major earthquakes, including the 6.9-magnitude quake in Cebu and the 7.4 and 6.7 doublet earthquakes in Davao Oriental.
Operations included search and rescue missions, airlift of relief goods, damage assessments, and direct community support.
Internationally, the Philippines deployed AFP personnel under the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent to Myanmar in July 2025 to assist in earthquake response. Inter-agency exercises such as Pagsasanay SANLAKAS further enhanced coordination and interoperability during large-scale emergencies.
Modernization gains accelerated
AFP modernization gained momentum in 2025 with key upgrades across air, sea, and land forces.
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) received SF-260 training aircraft, engines, and propellers in September, and commissioned 10 additional S-70 Black Hawk helicopters — five in August and five in November — boosting air mobility and pilot training.
“Through the PAF Flight Plan 2040 and alignment with the AFP Modernization Program, the Air Force is following a clear and disciplined path toward long-term capability development,” PAF Spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco said.
The Philippine Navy commissioned two guided-missile frigates, BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) and BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07), as well as the locally assembled fast attack interdiction craft BRP Albert Majini (PG-909).
On land, the Philippine Army activated its first Ground-Launched Missile Battalion in October at Fort Magsaysay, while the Philippine Marine Corps unveiled its first BrahMos shore-based anti-ship missile battery in November.
The AFP also advanced cyber defense, intelligence and surveillance capabilities, and human resource development through enhanced training and leadership programs, ensuring a more adaptive, multi-domain-ready force.
“The AFP is expecting a critical year ahead for our modernization program. We are entering a phase where several long-lead projects will begin to bear fruit, especially those aligned with archipelagic defense, cybersecurity, and maritime domain awareness,” AFP Spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said.
Deeper international defense cooperation
The AFP deepened international security engagement through large-scale multinational exercises and maritime activities.
The Philippines concluded Exercise Balikatan 2025 with the United States, Australia, and Japan, and Exercise ALON 25 with the Australian Defence Force, enhancing combined readiness and interoperability.
Throughout the year, the AFP conducted six Maritime Cooperative Activities and seven Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activities with partners including the United States, Japan, India, France, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, underscoring shared commitments to maritime security and regional stability.
“Additional service-to-service engagements further strengthened joint and bilateral readiness through combined land maneuvers, aerial interoperability training, and coordinated naval operations,” AFP added.
Organizational reforms for multi-domain defense
The AFP also implemented significant organizational reforms to support multi-domain operations.
These included the activation of the AFP Joint Sustainment Command in September, the AFP Strategic Command in October, and the AFP Civil-Military Operations Command in November to enhance logistics, integrated operations, strategic communication, and community engagement.
Other key reforms included the activation of the AFP Joint Special Operations Command in May and the reactivation of the AFP National Capital Region Command in February to strengthen internal security and crisis response in Metro Manila.
Looking ahead
As it enters 2026, the AFP said it will focus on sustaining internal security gains, enhancing multi-domain defense capabilities, and further deepening strategic partnerships.
“The AFP acknowledges the steadfast support of national leadership, partner agencies, and the Filipino people, whose trust and cooperation remain central to the nation’s security,” the military said.
