Civil Relations Service Armed Forces of the Philippines

Mabuhay ang mga manggagawang Pilipino!

Ang Inyong Civil-Military Operations Command, AFP ay nakikiisa sa pagdiriwang ng Araw ng mga Manggagawa!

Maraming salamat sa inyong sipag at tiyaga.






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WATCH: The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), together with the United States Armed Forces, Australian Defence Force, and New Zealand Defence Force, conducted a Counter-Landing Live Fire Exercise (CLLFX-West) on April 27, 2026 at the Apurawan Beach Landing Site in Aborlan, Palawan, as part of Exercise Balikatan 41–2026.
Videos from: 3rd Marine Brigade, Philippine Marine Corps and Marine Battalion Landing Team 11

Read full story: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14ScNyjkd6W/






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AFP, U.S., Partner Nations Conduct Counter-Landing Live Fire Exercise in Palawan

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), together with the United States Armed Forces, Australian Defence Force, and New Zealand Defence Force, conducted a Counter-Landing Live Fire Exercise (CLLFX-West) on April 27, 2026 at the Apurawan Beach Landing Site in Aborlan, Palawan, as part of Exercise Balikatan 41–2026.

Led by the Philippine Marine Corps’ 3rd Marine Brigade, the exercise simulated a maritime threat involving an enemy amphibious landing along the coastline, showcasing combined forces’ capability to detect, disrupt, and deny hostile elements from establishing a beachhead. The activity demonstrated strong coordination and interoperability among participating forces in a complex littoral environment.

The exercise highlighted a layered, multi-domain defense employing synchronized air, land, and indirect fire assets. The Philippine Air Force deployed FA-50 fighter jets for air interdiction, while U.S. forces provided High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) capabilities. Ground forces executed mid- to close-range engagements using artillery, mortars, light armored vehicles, anti-armor systems, heavy machine guns, and infantry weapons, supported by precision strikes and reconnaissance.

In addition, a simulated Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) was conducted in Sitio Bubusawin and Sitio Long Point, alongside a community outreach activity in coordination with the local government of Aborlan and Barangay Apurawan, underscoring the AFP’s role in both defense and humanitarian operations.

General Romeo S. Brawner Jr, AFP Chief of Staff witnessed the live fire exercise as one of the distinguished visitors together with Vice Admiral Alan M Javier, Commander of Western Command. Also present were Major General James Bartholomees, Commander of the 25th Infantry Division, US Army; Major General Thomas Savage, Commander of the U.S. JTF for Exercise Balikatan 2026; and Rear Admiral Brent DeVore, Commander of the Expeditionary Strike Group THREE, U.S. Navy.

“The Counter-Landing Live Fire Exercise demonstrates our capability to defend our shores through coordinated, combined arms operations in a littoral environment. By integrating fires from land, air, and maritime forces, we are able to detect, engage, and neutralize potential threats approaching from the sea, ensuring that any attempt to breach our coastline is met with a swift and unified response,” said Marine Colonel Dennis Hernandez, PH Balikatan 41-2026 Spokesperson.

“More importantly, this activity strengthens joint fire support coordination and interoperability among participating forces. Beach defense is not the responsibility of a single unit or domain, it requires seamless integration across services and with our allies. Exercises like this ensure that we are prepared to protect our coastal communities and territorial integrity with precision, speed, and overwhelming coordination,” Col Hernandez added.///

Photos and Videos by: SSG Ambay PA/PAOAFP; 3rd Marine Brigade, Philippine Marine Corps; and Staff Sgt. Brandon Rickert, 7th Infantry Division, US Army






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Philippine Army, Canadian Army affirm strong defense ties

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City - Philippine Army Chief Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete and Canadian Army Chief Lt. Gen. Michael Wright affirmed the strong defense partnership between the two ground forces during the latter's courtesy call at the Headquarters Philippine Army, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on April 27, 2026.

Lt. Gen. Wright's official visit to the country is in line with the Canadian military's participation in the ongoing 41st iteration of Exercise Balikatan. Prior to the call on Lt. Gen. Nafarrete, Lt. Gen. Wright offered a wreath at the Tomb of the Unkown Soldier, Libingan ng mga Bayani, Fort Bonifacio.

The Canadian Armed Forces has been collaborating with the Philippine Army on specialized courses like the Military Cyber Security Operations Course (MCSOC) aimed at improving digital defense capabilities.

The Philippine Army leadership is committed to strengthening its strong defense partnership with ground forces of like-minded nations to ensure peace and stability in the broader Indo-Pacific Region.

Photos by Cpl. Rodgen V. Quirante PA/OCPA






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2ID raises grave concern for Pasion’s safety, urges NPA release after foreign casualties in Negros encounter

CAMP CAPINPIN, Rizal — The 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division expressed grave concern for the safety of Filipino-American Cristina Pasion following recent developments involving foreign nationals killed in an armed encounter with members of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Negros Occidental.

This comes after ANAKBAYAN-USA confirmed that two American nationals—Lyle Prijoles and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem—were among those killed during an encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental on April 19, 2026. Authorities reported that both individuals had entered the country in March and were later found to be involved in armed hostilities alongside NPA members.

Cristina Pasion, who has been identified as a member of Migrante International, was previously reported to have been with Filipino-American Chantal Anicoche in Mindoro as early as December 2025. Available information indicates that Pasion has yet to return to her family and is believed to have remained with the armed group following a series of encounters in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro on March 24 and 29, 2026.

In a statement, Chief, Division Public Affairs Office, Colonel Michael Aquino, said the incident underscores the grave risks faced by individuals who become involved in armed groups, particularly those recruited from overseas communities.

“These developments highlight a troubling pattern where foreign nationals are drawn into armed conflict, exposing them to immediate danger and irreversible consequences,” Col. Aquino said.

He also expressed concern that similar circumstances may place Cristina Pasion at risk, especially as information indicates her continued presence with the armed group in Occidental Mindoro.

Col. Aquino also warned against the continued exploitation of individuals by the CPP-NPA and its allied organizations, noting that recruitment efforts often mislead individuals into situations that endanger their lives.

“These incidents show how individuals, particularly those from overseas, may be drawn into armed activities under false pretenses,” he said.

Col. Aquino also called on the CPP-NPA to allow Cristina Pasion to leave the armed group if she chooses to do so.

“We urge the CPP-NPA to release Cristina Pasion and allow her to return safely to her family. No cause should come at the cost of a person’s life,” he emphasized.

The 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and preventing further loss, while continuing efforts to inform the public and counter misleading narratives that place individuals at risk.






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READ | On the Recent Protest Against the AFP during the Negros Occidental Encounter

The AFP recognizes and respects the public’s right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

At the same time, we call on all participants to exercise these rights responsibly and based on verified facts.

The incident in Toboso was a legitimate, intelligence-driven operation to protect the communities from the threat and intimidation of Communist NPA Terrorist elements in the area. It was conducted in accordance with the Rule of Law, Rules of Engagement, and International Humanitarian Law, with civilian safety as a top priority.

We urge the public to avoid the spread of disinformation and contribute instead to constructive, truth-based discourse that supports accountability, protects communities, and promotes lasting peace.






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‼️DISINFORMATION ALERT ‼️

The AFP clarifies that the Toboso incident was a lawful, intelligence-driven operation against Communist NPA Terrorists elements, not an attack on civilians. Evidence of an armed encounter and adherence to the Rule of Law, International Humanitarian Law and Rules of Engagement underscore the priority given to civilian safety.

The public is urged to reject misinformation and support truth-based discourse that promotes accountability and lasting peace.





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PMA Cadets Join Ayala Young Leaders Congress 2026 Culmination Activities

FORT GENERAL GREGORIO H. DEL PILAR, Baguio City – The Philippine Military Academy participated in the culmination activities of the Ayala Young Leaders Congress (AYLC) 2026 held at the Ayala Museum in Makati City from 17 to 19 April 2026.

Carrying the batch name: “TULANAYON: Tungo sa Pangkalahatang Kinabukasan at Aksyon,” the three-day activity was attended by three Second Class Cadets who represented the Academy: CADET 2CL JOHN OSLEC V QUILILAN CCAFP, CADET 2CL MATIN SIMON S PALERO CCAFP, and CADET 2CL BRYAN JAMES R CABIGO CCAFP.

The cadets took part in the Culmination Dinner, the ATLAS Homecoming Program, and the capstone proposal presentation, where participants presented their respective outputs. The
activity also featured keynote messages from notable leaders, including journalist Jessica Soho and GCash Chief Executive Officer Ms. Martha Sazon, who shared insights on leadership, service, resilience, and continuous learning.

The activity provided the cadets with valuable insights on leadership anchored on service, initiative, and impact. In her keynote message, Jessica Soho emphasized that leaders must see opportunities rather than limitations and must place service above self, noting that while success may be personal, impact is ultimately shared with the public. Ms. Sazon likewise underscored the importance of humility, collaboration, communication, continuous learning, and resilience in leadership.

Out of 1,795 applicants nationwide, only 31 participants from various universities and colleges were selected to join AYLC 2026. More than a leadership program, AYLC serves as a platform for participants to share their vision, advocacies, and commitment to the communities they seek to serve and protect.

Through its continued participation in AYLC, PMA enables its cadets to gain insights from established leaders, interact and network with fellow young leaders, and connect with civilian counterparts as part of their broader leadership development.






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PMA Team Dagohoy Set for Sandhurst Military Skills Competition 2026

FORT GENERAL GREGORIO H. DEL PILAR, Baguio City – The Philippine Military Academy conducted a Send-Off Ceremony for “Team Dagohoy”, in preparation for its participation in the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition 2026 at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York, on Wednesday, April 21, 2026.

The send-off ceremony highlighted the Academy’s confidence in the team’s preparation and readiness for the international competition. In his message, PMA Superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard N. Valencia, PN commended the cadets for their training and expressed confidence in their ability to perform well against some of the world’s best military academy teams.

He further reminded them that, beyond personal achievement, they carry the honor of the Academy and the nation. “When you feel that you would like to quit already, when the road seems all uphill, always don’t forget to look at your right shoulder [which is the Philippine flag] because you will not only be representing yourself, you will not only be representing your Academy, the Alma Mater or the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines, but you will be representing our nation,” he said.

Team Dagohoy is the Academy’s official team for the annual Sandhurst Military Skills Competition, a two-day event on May 1 to 2, 2026, that tests military proficiency, leadership, critical thinking, and teamwork through high-intensity exercises, obstacles, and tactical challenges. The competition gathers teams from United States military service academies and international military institutions from around the world.

For months, the Academy has prepared the team through intensive training designed to develop the cadets’ skills, endurance, and mental toughness required for the competition. More than physical readiness, the preparation aimed to instill in the cadets the resilience, discipline, and determination needed to overcome challenges and uphold the honor of the Philippine flag on the international stage.






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Secretary of National Defense highlighted the participation of other allied forces in the "largest-ever" Balikatan Exercises, citing that it is not only a bilateral exercise but a multilateral exercise.






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Asked on what the message is the Balikatan sending by conducting the drills in some strategic locations, the Secretary of National Defense emphasized that the conduct of large-scale exercises, such as Balikatan, is not directed to any particular country or force, but rather to enhance and strengthen the country's ability to defend itself as the capabilities of potential threats, whomever they may be, evolve.






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