CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – As 2023 ends, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) looks back on a year marked by notable achievements, reaffirming its commitment to national security and regional peace. These accomplishments pave the way for a dynamic and capable AFP in 2024.
The AFP has achieved a significant milestone by dismantling eight and weakening 14 guerilla fronts of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG). As of December, there are no more active CTG guerilla fronts. The continued focused military operations have resulted in the neutralization of 67 high-value individuals who belong to communist and local terrorist groups. Among the top leaders neutralized are Dionisio Macabalo, also known as @Muling/Kardo, who was the Secretary of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, and Farahudin Pumbaya Pangalian, also known as @Abu Zacharia, who was the Amir of DI-Philippines and overall Amir Islamic State-East Asia.
In 2023, the AFP successfully neutralized 1,399 members of communist and local terrorist groups. Additionally, they seized 1,751 firearms through capture, confiscation, recovery, or surrender. These accomplishments have significantly reduced the capability of these groups to carry out violent attacks against our security forces and local communities. As a result, the government can now safely implement its programs towards building a more progressive country.
The AFP is gradually shifting its focus towards Territorial Defense Operations due to its achievements in Internal Security Operations. The AFP is putting more effort into guaranteeing awareness and security in the maritime domain. Throughout the year, the AFP conducted 28 Rotation and Reprovision (RoRe) operations and 820 Maritime and Air Patrols in the West Philippine Sea to effectively address security concerns. Such efforts led to an intensified bilateral engagement with our ally and partner countries following a rules-based international order for a secured region.
The AFP has taken on non-traditional roles, such as supporting various humanitarian and disaster response operations both within and outside the country. The soldiers deployed across the nation have become the first responders in all kinds of disasters - be they natural or man-made. Notably, our troops also participated in the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent during the devastating earthquake in Turkey.
With these successes, the AFP has attained high satisfaction ratings of +85% in a recent survey conducted by OCTA Research. These outstanding ratings reflect the AFP's remarkable accomplishments and its crucial role in safeguarding the nation.
As it welcomes the new year, the AFP commits to building a more dedicated, professional, and modernized AFP equipped to meet the evolving challenges of the 21st century. Our efforts for internal security will be sustained to finally end the local threats and communist armed conflict. Moreover, the AFP will ensure its presence and increase efforts in its maritime security to protect our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in our maritime domain. The AFP also looks forward to more joint activities with allied forces and like-minded nations that share the commitment to peace, security, and international cooperation. It will continue to strive to be an AFP that the Filipino people can trust and count on, embodying the values of integrity, service, and dedication.
"At the beginning of a new year, new challenges and opportunities arise, demanding the collective efforts and expertise of the AFP. However, I am confident that we will rise to the occasion and overcome whatever obstacles come our way. Therefore, let us embrace the coming year with a reinforced commitment to our mission and shared values," said AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr. ///
