NEWS

Philippines, United States officially kick off largest Balikatan to date

News Blog 11 April 2023

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Philippines and the United States formally opened the largest Exercise Balikatan on Tuesday, April 11, at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Headquarters.

With over 17,500 combined troops from the AFP and the U.S. military, the 38th iteration of the annual bilateral exercise will highlight four (4) major events: Command Post Exercise, Cyber Defense Exercise, Field Training Exercise, and Humanitarian Civic Assistance.

ARAW NG KAGITINGAN 2023

News Blog 10 April 2023

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Chief of Staff, General Andres C Centino PA joins the Commander -in-Chief, President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr. in celebration of the 81st Anniversary of the Araw ng Kagitingan today, April 10 at Mount Samat National Shrine, Pilar, Bataan.

The activity aims to honor the sacrifices of Filipino war veterans during World War II and to remind every Filipino of their heroism and courage in protecting the country. Likewise, the event commemorates the historical "Death March" by Filipino and American soldiers from Bataan to Tarlac on April 9, 1942.

This year's celebration evolves on the theme, "Kagitingan ng mga Beterano, Pundasyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino." (Photo by Sgt Ambay PA, PAOAFP)

AFP neutralizes 137 NPAs, local terrorists in the first quarter of 2023

News Blog 09 April 2023

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – 137 members of the communist and local terrorists have been neutralized by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) following successful focused military operations across the country from January 1 to March 31, 2023.

Against the communist terrorist groups (CTGs), the AFP neutralized 82 regular members. Of these, 17 were killed in combat operations, 20 were apprehended or captured, and 45 surrendered to government forces.

TRIBUTE TO VETERANS

News Blog 05 April 2023

The Chief of Staff, AFP (CSAFP) General Andres C Centino PA, welcomes the participants and awardees in the Review in Honor of the Veterans on April 5 with the National Security Adviser, Secretary Eduardo Año, as the Guest of Honor and Speaker. The event in Fort Bonifacio pays tribute to war veterans who have served the country with honor and dignity.

Thirteen living awardees and one posthumous recipient were given plaques in recognition of their service.

In his remarks, the CSAFP urged everyone to reflect on the values and principles that the veterans defended. "This is our way of honoring, remembering, and recognizing the valor, bravery, and sacrifice of our veterans. We owe them an immeasurable debt of gratitude," the CSAFP said. /// (Photo by PFC Carmelotes/PAO, AFP)

AFP STATEMENT | On the Four (4) new EDCA Sites

News Blog 05 April 2023

The Armed Forces of the Philippines supports the decision of the President and Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency Ferdinand R Marcos Jr, designating the Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan as the new EDCA sites.