TOPIC

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is the national military organisation of the Philippines, headquartered at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Its primary mission is to uphold national sovereignty, defend the territory against foreign and domestic threats, and support the Constitution. The AFP engages in traditional defence, counter-insurgency operations, and international peacekeeping. Notably, it also undertakes significant non-military activities, including disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and nation-building efforts, reflecting its crucial role in the country’s security and development.

Diplomacy

Opinion | Without diplomacy, deterrence in Asia is a path to escalation

The danger is that every state insists it is acting defensively while collectively building the habits and infrastructure of confrontation.

28 Apr 2026 - 5:30AMvideocam

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Without diplomacy, deterrence in Asia is a path to escalation

The danger is that every state insists it is acting defensively while collectively building the habits and infrastructure of confrontation.

2 US citizens killed in raid on Philippines communist stronghold

Why Japan’s troops are returning to Philippine soil for first time since WWII

Duterte allies use Iran war threat to attack Philippines’ US ties

Social media posts claim US bases in the Philippines are like ‘bullseyes on Filipino soil’, prompting the military to debunk the disinformation.

Indonesia is getting an aircraft carrier. The Philippines isn’t. Does it matter?

Indonesia wants to project power. The Philippines wants to deny it. In the South China Sea, one approach may matter more than the other.

China says Philippines is stoking tensions with Scarborough Shoal drill

Manila reportedly issued a notice warning of military exercises across a wide area of the South China Sea until the end of March.

Filipino’s death fuels concern over coercive recruitment in Ukraine war

Observers say the case of John Patrick reflects human exploitation and the structural pressure on Russia’s manpower resources.

French ‘intimacy’: Philippines, France near deal for Indo-Pacific strength

The visiting forces deal comes on top of similar pacts with other nations and could help the Philippines attain a ‘muscular defence arsenal’.

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | Philippine army colonel faces charges after anti-Marcos post goes viral

Audie Mongao will also undergo psychiatric tests after he sparked a political storm by withdrawing support for the president.

Uniform justice? Why Philippine military expelled a lawmaker but not VP Duterte

Sources said legal ambiguity and political risk shaped how the armed forces handled two high-profile reservist cases.

‘Rule of law’: Philippine military lauds ex-general’s sedition arrest

Romeo Poquiz’s limited influence means his arrest is unlikely to spark a ‘chilling effect’ among former officials, observers say.

Philippine ex-general arrested after call for military to ‘reset’ society

Romeo Poquiz had publicly called for the armed forces to ‘withdraw their support’ from Marcos over the flood control corruption scandal.

Is the Philippines vulnerable to another military-triggered political crisis?

Analysts said an alleged plot by retired generals to oust President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr appears inspired by 2001’s EDSA Dos uprising.

Philippine military says ‘no junta’ in its ranks, warns against destabilisation

Plots to oust President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr are ‘not far-fetched’, the Philippine military’s spokeswoman says.

Fugitive ex-Philippine official accuses Marcos of ordering bogus projects

Ex-appropriations chairman Zaldy Co claims Marcos directed him to add US$1.7 billion in dubious projects to the national budget.

South China Sea: does new US-Philippine task force mark turning point in ties?

The task force aims to enhance interoperability and crisis responses of American and Filipino troops, particularly in the disputed sea.

Philippine military fires back as Duterte’s son takes potshot at US ties

Paolo Duterte’s claims of the military ‘showing off for America’ are aimed at undermining the current administration, analysts say.

Exclusive | How Philippine military chief foiled ‘soft coup’ bid to undermine Marcos

Memories of past uprisings have made today’s military more resistant than ever to political adventurism, General Romeo Brawner Jnr says.

Philippine coastguard finds itself outmatched by politician’s private air fleet

Disgraced congressman Zaldy Co’s US$81 million private fleet has become a symbol of chronic underfunding in the Philippines’ defence sector.

‘Red alert’: Philippines gripped by coup rumours before anti-corruption protests

The defence department and the military have warned against ‘futile’ attempts suggesting ‘unconstitutional’ interventions.

Fishing for intelligence: US plan puts Filipinos at risk in South China Sea

Filipino fishermen expressed both concern and support for Washington’s proposal to turn them into intelligence assets.

Philippines pauses purchase plans for F-16s from US due to funding ‘chokepoint’

The US$5.6bn fighter jet sale has been paused as the Philippines prioritises other military modernisation projects, its envoy to the US says.

South China Sea: Beijing asserts ‘control measures’ against Philippine ships

Philippine military says there is an increase in Chinese vessels, including coastguard and militia ships, near shoal.

Philippine military slams ‘fabricated’ video of stand-off with Malaysian navy

Manila’s navy says it has deployed a guided missile frigate for a long-planned joint military exercise in Penang.

Philippines in Australia-US drills: the ‘new normal’ in defence cooperation?

Manila’s participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre reflects upgraded ties with Canberra amid anxiety over Trump 2.0 and China, analysts say.

Opinion | Without diplomacy, deterrence in Asia is a path to escalation

Exclusive | Philippine army colonel faces charges after anti-Marcos post goes viral