CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officially deactivated the AFP Special Operations Command (SOCOM, AFP) and simultaneously reactivated the Special Operations Command, Philippine Army (SOCOM, PA), alongside the activation of the Joint Special Operations Command, AFP (JSOC, AFP), in a ceremony held at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, today, May 28.
The event was graced by Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. as the Guest of Honor and Speaker, alongside AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr.
The transition was a significant organizational restructuring aimed at enhancing the military’s operational capabilities and ensuring a more unified and agile defense posture. The move restores operational control of the Army's elite units under SOCOM, PA, while JSOC, AFP institutionalizes jointness – ensuring the AFP remains capable across all domains: land, sea, air, cyber, and space.
Brigadier General Eliglen F Villaflor PA, assumed duties as Acting Commander of the newly activated JSOC, AFP, while Major General Ferdinand B Napuli PA, was designated Acting Commander of SOCOM, PA.
Emphasizing the importance of this shift, General Brawner said, “This transformation is operationally driven, doctrinally sound, and aligned with our vision of a credible and unified armed forces. It empowers us not just to face today’s challenges, but to stay ahead of tomorrow’s possibilities.”
This reorganization underscores the AFP's commitment to continuous improvement and its dedication to safeguarding national security through a more integrated and effective special operations framework.///
Photo by: Pfc Carmelotes PN(M) / PAOAFP
