THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported significant security gains in 2025, particularly sustained progress in internal security, counterterrorism, disaster response, capability development and international defense cooperation. According to the AFP, internal security conditions continued to improve in 2025, with communist terrorist group (CTG) members further weakened in manpower and operational capability. ”Over 2,000 CTG members were neutralized and more than 1,500 firearms seized through focused operations, strengthened community engagement and close coordination with partner agencies,” the AFP said in a statement. Meanwhile, 275 local terrorist group (LTG) members were neutralized and more than 300 firearms recovered. Intensified operations, along with peace and community support initiatives, further eroded LTG command structures and territorial influence. No large-scale attacks attributed to domestic terrorist groups occurred in 2025, reflecting a significant decline in their operational reach. Improved domestic security Domestic security also saw major advances, particularly in formerly conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. The AFP noted a significant drop in LTG numbers, from 1,257 in 2016 to just 50 in 2025. Over the same period, 28 high-value individuals, including 10 key leaders, were neutralized, creating leadership gaps that disrupted LTG operations. ”Indicators show continued declines in manpower, firearms, territorial influence and violent incidents, with remaining elements now fragmented and defensive. PCVE (Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism) programs, reintegration efforts and community participation further reduced recruitment and strengthened local resilience,” the AFP said. In 2025, the AFP mounted extensive Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) operations both locally and internationally. Domestically, the military supported nationwide rescue and relief efforts during Super Typhoon Uwan and multiple major earthquakes, including the 6.9-magnitude Cebu quake, and the 7.4 and 6.7 “doublet” earthquakes in Davao Oriental. AFP teams conducted search and rescue missions, airlift operations, damage assessments and community support. Internationally, the Philippines deployed AFP personnel as part of the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent to Myanmar in July 2025 to assist in earthquake response. These operations were further supported by interagency exercises such as Pagsasanay Sanlakas in November, which enhanced interoperability and coordination during large-scale emergencies. Accelerated modernization AFP modernization gained further momentum in 2025 with significant upgrades to the country’s air, sea and land defense capabilities. The Philippine Air Force 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 capacity. The Philippine Navy strengthened its fleet with the commissioning of the guided-missile frigates BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) and BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07), along with the locally assembled Fast Attack Interdiction Craft, BRP Albert Majini (PG-909). On land, the Philippine Army activated its inaugural 1st 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, as well as human resource development through enhanced training and leadership programs, ensuring a more adaptive, multi-domain-ready force. Strengthened international security engagement The AFP deepened international defense cooperation in 2025 through large-scale multinational exercises and maritime engagements. The Philippines successfully concluded Exercise Balikatan 2025 with the United States, Australia and Japan, and Exercise ALON 25 with the Australian Defense Force, both of which enhanced 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 — demonstrating a shared commitment 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. Organizational restructuring for multi-domain defense The AFP implemented major organizational reforms in 2025 to strengthen multi-domain operations and support the shift toward Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense. These included the activation of the AFP Joint Sustainment Command in September to unify logistics and support functions; the AFP Strategic Command in October to integrate intelligence and operations; and the AFP Civil-Military Operations Command in November, following the deactivation of the CRSAFP, to enhance strategic communication and community engagement. The AFP also activated the AFP Joint Special Operations Command in May to unify special operations forces and reactivated the AFP National Capital Regional Command in February to improve internal security and crisis response in Metro Manila. These reforms collectively build a more integrated, agile and adaptive AFP ready to meet emerging security challenges.