AFP, CHR Renew Partnership to Deepen Human Rights Cooperation

In pursuit of deepening inter-agency cooperation on human rights, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through the AFP Center for Law of Armed Conflict (AFPCLOAC), and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) held a signing of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) on May 8, here.

EXERCISE BALIKATAN | Forging Camaraderie: AFP, U.S. Forces Bond Through Fun Shoot

In one of many morale-boosting activities, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and United States Forces held a fun shoot on May 7, energizing Exercise Balikatan 40-25 with camaraderie, competitive spirit, and cooperation among service members.

EXERCISE BALIKATAN | Troops secure maritime access in BK drills

Philippine, U.S., and Australian forces conducted a dynamic Maritime Key Terrain Security Operations (MKTSO) event near Puerto Princesa, Palawan, May 5, 2025, as part of Exercise Balikatan 25. The exercise featured air and ground insertions, including MV-22 Osprey deployments and coordinated jungle maneuvers, simulating real-world challenges in securing strategic coastal terrain.

MKTSO showcased the enduring commitment of the Philippines, the United States, and Australia to regional security, cooperation, and collective defense across the Indo-Pacific.///

Photo by: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ezekieljay Correa / DVIDS

MGen Napuli Takes Command as AFP Reinforces Commitment to Special Operations

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomed MGen Ferdinand B Napuli, incoming Commander, Special Operations Command (SOCOM), in a Change of Command Ceremony held on May 7 at Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija. The event was presided over by AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr.

Aggressive and Unsafe Maneuvers by Chinese Vessels Near Bajo de Masinloc

On 5 May 2025, the Philippine Navy’s BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS35), while conducting routine and lawful maritime patrol operations in support of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), encountered aggressive and unsafe maneuvers by two Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) vessels Jiangkai II-class frigates (Type 054A) with bow numbers 554 and 573, and a China Coast Guard vessel 5403. The incident occurred approximately 11.8 nautical miles southeast of Bajo de Masinloc.

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