Armed Forces of the Philippines

𝗙𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗪 𝗨𝗦 𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗗 𝗦𝗢𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗔 𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗦! We are leveling up our digital presence to keep you informed, inspired, and protected from disinformation! Whether it’s a blue check or our official seal, these are the only digital coordinates for the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Follow our 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘀 for exclusive content, official statements, and a closer look at the men and women in uniform. 𝗜𝗳 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁, 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘂𝘀. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱. #AFPyoucanTRUST #OneAFPOnePhilippines #StrongAFPStrongPhilippines #OurSeasOurRightsOurFuture #MatatagNaSandigan 🫡🇵🇭

AFP Chief Visits 79IB, Highlights Role in Advancing Peace and Security Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, General Romeo S Brawner Jr., visited the 79th Infantry “Masaligan” Battalion of the 3rd Infantry “Spearhead” Division, Philippine Army on May 2 at its Headquarters in Barangay Bato, Sagay City, Negros Occidental, following the successful recent operation against Communist NPA Terrorists in Toboso, Negros Occidental. During the visit, General Brawner was joined by Major General Michael G Samson, Commander of the 3rd Infantry “Spearhead” Division. They were received by Lieutenant Colonel Eric Alfonso, Commanding Officer of the 79th Infantry Battalion. In his remarks, the CSAFP commended the “Masaligan Troopers” for their courage, emphasizing the importance of sustaining momentum in securing communities, “This visit is both an opportunity to commend your steadfast service and to reaffirm our shared commitment to securing lasting peace in your area of responsibility,” he said, adding that the campaign is “not just a military effort, but a collective stand of communities choosing progress over fear.” The AFP Chief likewise urged the troops to remain mission-focused and uphold their duty to the Filipino people, stressing that recent gains must be sustained through continued commitment to service and strong community partnership to ensure enduring peace and development. Photos by SSg Ambay PA/PAOAFP #AFPyoucanTRUST #OneAFPOnePhilippines #StrongAFPStrongPhilippines #OurSeasOurRightsOurFuture #AFPat90 #MatatagNaSandigan 🫡🇵🇭

AFP Chief Honors 302nd Infantry Achiever Brigade at 52nd Anniversary Celebration Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), General Romeo S Brawner Jr., joined the 52nd Founding Anniversary celebration of the 302nd Infantry “Achiever” Brigade (302Bde) under the 3rd Infantry “Spearhead” Division (3ID), Philippine Army, on May 2 at Camp Leon Kilat, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental. General Brawner was joined by Major General Michael G Samson, Commander of the 3ID, and Brigadier General Jason V Jumawan, Commander of the 302Bde. With the theme, “302nd Achiever Brigade @52: Matatag na Hukbong Katihan sa Katimugang Negros at Gitnang Kabisayaan,” the celebration highlighted brigade’s more than five decades of dedicated service in maintaining peace and security in Southern Negros while fostering strong partnerships with local government units and communities. The ceremony reflected the brigade’s enduring legacy of service, discipline, and commitment to peace and development, underscoring its continued role as a key pillar of security and stability in the region. Photo by SSg Ambay PA/PAOAFP #AFPyoucanTRUST #OneAFPOnePhilippines #StrongAFPStrongPhilippines #OurSeasOurRightsOurFuture #AFPat90 #MatatagNaSandigan 🫡🇵🇭

AFP Assumes ASEAN Observer Team Leadership, Strengthens Regional Trust The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), led by Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr., welcomed General Datuk Haji Malek Razak Bin Sulaiman, Chief of Defence Force of the Malaysian Armed Forces, during the Turnover Ceremony of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) Chairship held on April 30, here. The ceremony marked the formal transition of leadership as General Brawner presided the handover of the AOT symbol from Brigadier General Dato’ Pahlawan Asri Bin Shukor, outgoing Chief of AOT Malaysia, to Major General Oliver C Maquiling, incoming Chief of AOT Philippines. The transition underscores the continuing commitment of ASEAN member-states to uphold peace, stability, and cooperation in the region. In his remarks, General Brawner emphasized the enduring role of the AOT in fostering mutual confidence among nations. “The value of the ASEAN Observer Team will not be measured by what is seen, but by what is sustained: by the stability it helps preserve, by the restraint it reinforces, and by the trust it builds among nations,” he said. The AFP reaffirmed its commitment to advancing regional security cooperation as it assumes leadership of the AOT, further strengthening partnerships with ASEAN counterparts in pursuit of lasting peace and collective security. Photos by SSg Ambay PA/PAOAFP #AFPyoucanTRUST #OneAFPOnePhilippines #StrongAFPStrongPhilippines #OurSeasOurRightsOurFuture #AFPat90 #MatatagNaSandigan 🫡🇵🇭

LABOR DAY | Today, the Armed Forces of the Philippines honors the hands that build, the minds that innovate, and the hearts that persevere. In every mission across our archipelago, the AFP witnesses the quiet strength of our people, the determination to provide, to serve, and to move forward despite challenges. It is this same spirit that fuels our duty to protect, as we remain committed to safeguarding the peace that allows every Filipino to thrive. Saludo kami sa Manggagawang Pilipino! #AFPyoucanTRUST #OneAFPOnePhilippines #StrongAFPStrongPhilippines #OurSeasOurRightsOurFuture #MatatagNaSandigan 🫡🇵🇭

ICYMI | The Armed Forces of the Philippines and United States Armed Forces conducted a high-impact Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) exercise on April 26–29 at Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui, Zambales, showcasing seamless sensor-to-shooter operations to detect, track, and engage simulated aerial threats. #AFPyoucanTRUST #OneAFPOnePhilippines #StrongAFPStrongPhilippines #OurSeasOurRightsOurFuture #MatatagNaSandigan 🫡🇵🇭 #Balikatan #ShoulderToShoulder #Philippines #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific #FriendsPartnersAllies #SaferTogetherUSPH #StrongerTogether

𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐬: 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞 Behind every frame of precision firepower and coordinated defense during the Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) drills of Exercise Balikatan 41-2026 stands a quiet force just as committed—the photographers and coverage team. Long before the first system locks on target, they are already in position, lenses trained, waiting for the exact moment when discipline, speed, and accuracy converge. Under the punishing heat of late April, where temperatures climbed to as high as 45°C, they remained on standby for hours, enduring glare, dust, and unpredictable conditions to ensure that every decisive movement, every synchronized response, and every display of capability is captured with clarity and purpose. Through their eyes, the intensity of the drills becomes visible. While troops maneuver and systems engage with calculated precision, these visual chroniclers move with equal determination, often unseen but ever-present. In every image released to the public is a testament not only to military readiness, but to the resilience and dedication of those who brave the same harsh environment to bring these moments to light. (c) Public Affairs Office, AFP #AFPyoucanTRUST #OneAFPOnePhilippines #StrongAFPStrongPhilippines #OurSeasOurRightsOurFuture #MatatagNaSandigan 🫡🇵🇭 #Balikatan #ShoulderToShoulder #Philippines #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific #FriendsPartnersAllies #SaferTogetherUSPH #StrongerTogether

EXERCISE BALIKATAN 41-2026 | A display of precision, firepower, and seamless integration unfolded during the Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) exercise held 26–29 April 2026 at Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui, Zambales, as part of Exercise Balikatan 41-2026. The Philippine Air Force SPYDER Air Defense System, U.S. Army Avenger, and U.S. Marine Corps MADIS combined sensor-to-shooter capabilities in a tightly synchronized defense network—delivering rapid detection, accurate tracking, and precise engagement of simulated aerial threats. Enhanced radar and counter-UAS systems further sharpened response effectiveness across the battlespace. #AFPyoucanTRUST #OneAFPOnePhilippines #StrongAFPStrongPhilippines #OurSeasOurRightsOurFuture #MatatagNaSandigan 🫡🇵🇭 #Balikatan #ShoulderToShoulder #Philippines #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific #FriendsPartnersAllies #SaferTogetherUSPH #StrongerTogether

Balikatan 41-2026 Mobilizes 11 Multinational Vessels for Enhanced Maritime Operations in the West Philippine Sea The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), together with the United States Armed Forces and partner nations—the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Australian Defence Force, and Canadian Armed Forces—conducted a Multinational Maritime Event (MME) from April 20 to May 1 in the West Philippine Sea as part of Exercise Balikatan 41-2026. The AFP deployed key maritime assets, including BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG6), BRP Antonio Luna (FFG15), AW159, and an AW109 helicopter, alongside the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV 440😎. Participating allied forces included the USS Ashland (LSD-48), and USCGC Midgett (WMSL-757) from the United States; JS Ikazuchi (DD-107), JS Shimokita (LST-4002), and JS Ise (DDH-152) from Japan; HMAS Toowoomba (FFH-156) from Australia; and HMCS Charlottetown (FFH-339) and MV Asterix from Canada. The exercise featured a range of coordinated maritime activities, including Communication Checks, Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX), Coordinated Anti-Submarine Exercise (CASEX), Gunnery Exercise (GUNNEX), Air Defense Exercise through Integrated Air and Missile Defense (ADEX IAMD), Deck Landing Qualification (DLQ), Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX), Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA), and Replenishment at Sea (RAS), aimed at enhancing interoperability and operational readiness among participating forces. The MME under Exercise Balikatan 41-2026 underscores the shared commitment of the Philippines with its ally and partners to strengthen cooperation and regional stability. Building on this momentum, the AFP continues to advance its capability to safeguard national sovereignty and maritime interests while upholding a rules-based international order. Photos by PO3 Gonzales PN / PAOAFP #AFPyoucanTRUST #OneAFPOnePhilippines #StrongAFPStrongPhilippines #OurSeasOurRightsOurFuture #MatatagNaSandigan 🫡🇵🇭 #Balikatan #ShoulderToShoulder #Philippines #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific #FriendsPartnersAllies #SaferTogetherUSPH #StrongerTogether

PANOORIN | Sa DWIZ, tinalakay ni Col Dennis Hernandez, AFP Spokesperson on PH-US Exercise Balikatan, ang mga layunin ng Exercise Balikatan 41-2026 at ang patuloy nitong paglawak. Ibinahagi niya kung paano ito nagsimula bilang isang bilateral na ehersisyo ng Pilipinas at Estados Unidos at ngayo’y kinabibilangan na rin ng iba pang kaparehong adhikain na mga bansa. Binigyang-diin din ang masusing paghahanda upang matiyak ang ligtas at maayos na pagsasagawa ng lahat ng aktibidad. Itinampok ang kahalagahan ng Balikatan sa kasalukuyang sitwasyon ng seguridad na patuloy na nagbabago. #AFPyoucanTRUST #OneAFPOnePhilippines #StrongAFPStrongPhilippines #OurSeasOurRightsOurFuture #MatatagNaSandigan 🫡🇵🇭 #Balikatan #ShoulderToShoulder #Philippines #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific #FriendsPartnersAllies #SaferTogetherUSPH #StrongerTogether

EXERCISE BALIKATAN 41-2026 | Stronger together means safer communities. Through Balikatan, Filipino troops train with partner countries to sharpen coordination for what matters most: responding to disasters, helping during emergencies, and protecting communities. Partnership builds readiness, and readiness saves lives. #AFPyoucanTRUST #OneAFPOnePhilippines #StrongAFPStrongPhilippines #OurSeasOurRightsOurFuture #MatatagNaSandigan 🫡🇵🇭 #Balikatan #ShoulderToShoulder #Philippines #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific #FriendsPartnersAllies #StrongerTogether

EXERCISE BALIKATAN 41-2026 | In Lal-lo, Cagayan, training translated into help fast. During Balikatan activities, Filipino troops, partner forces, and local responders immediately assisted in a trailer truck accident, bringing casualties to a nearby hospital and helping ensure urgent care for those critically injured. Readiness matters because it saves lives when emergencies happen. #AFPyoucanTRUST #OneAFPOnePhilippines #StrongAFPStrongPhilippines #OurSeasOurRightsOurFuture #MatatagNaSandigan 🫡🇵🇭 #Balikatan #ShoulderToShoulder #Philippines #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific #FriendsPartnersAllies #StrongerTogether

IN THE NEWS | The Philippines and the U.S. hold drills during annual military exercises. Philippine and U.S. forces conduct high-visibility Balikatan drills in Zambales, using the MADIS air defense system to track and engage drones. The exercise highlights growing interoperability, airspace preparedness, and wider allied coordination in the Indo-Pacific. Officials say the drills are defensive, focused on readiness, learning, and maintaining a safe, open region. Report by: Global Lens (youtu.be/Vg9upMQZMJs?si…) #AFPyoucanTRUST #OneAFPOnePhilippines #StrongAFPStrongPhilippines #OurSeasOurRightsOurFuture #MatatagNaSandigan 🫡🇵🇭

AFP Chief Visits 1st Infantry Division, Honors Troops and Reflects on Mindanao Peace Efforts General Romeo S. Brawner Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), visited the 1st Infantry “TABAK” Division, Philippine Army at Camp Major Cesar L. Sang-an in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur on April 28, 2026, where he honored outstanding troops and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to lasting peace and development in Mindanao. Major General Yegor Rey P. Barroquillo Jr., Commander of the 1st Infantry Division, welcomed the AFP Chief of Staff during the visit. The activity also featured the recognition of distinguished military medal awardees from the division for their exemplary service and dedication. In his Talk to Troops, General Brawner reflected on his previous assignments in Mindanao, particularly as Deputy Commander of Joint Task Force Ranao and Brigade Commander of the 103rd Infantry “Haribon” Brigade under 1ID. He recalled the sacrifices and challenges faced by soldiers in the aftermath of the 2017 Marawi Conflict and underscored the resilience of both the Armed Forces and the people of Mindanao in advancing peace and stability in the region. “During my time in 1ID, PA, I witnessed the true dedication and professionalism that define each of you. More than the achievements we have attained, I am honored to have had the opportunity to lead our troops and be part of the region's reconstruction, normalization, and unity,” General Brawner said. The AFP Chief concluded by expressing gratitude for the troops’ continued trust and support, while commending the 1st Infantry Division for upholding excellence and steadfast service to the Filipino people./// Photos by SSg Ambay PA/PAOAFP #AFPyoucanTRUST #OneAFPOnePhilippines #StrongAFPStrongPhilippines #OurSeasOurRightsOurFuture #AFPat90 #MatatagNaSandigan 🫡🇵🇭