TIMELINE: Changes in AFP’s structure since revised modernization law

It has been nearly 14 years since then-president Benigno Aquino III signed the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Act, a landmark law that enabled the military not only to acquire modern assets but also to review its structure and personnel. Many of the adjustments reflect the Philippines’ goal of shifting its focus from internal security operations to territorial defense. Here’s a breakdown of how the AFP’s organizational structure has shifted since then: February 23, 1995 The first AFP Modernization Act is signed. Aside from acquisition of assets, the plan includes components on force restructuring and organizational development as well as human resource development. The latter puts emphasis on the need for the AFP to transition from an internal security-oriented force to a primarily external security-oriented force. But reluctance from Congress to fund it, as well as the 1997 Asian financial crisis, prevented the plan from taking off, a 2005 paper by defense expert Renato de Castro said. The law’s implementation period lapsed 15 years later in February 2010. January 1, 2011 The AFP’s six-year Internal Peace and Security Plan — more commonly known as Oplan Bayanihan — takes effect. It aims to eventually allow the AFP to transition into a territorial defense-focused force. From 2011 to 2013, the AFP continued its primary task of fighting internal armed threats. The remaining years — 2014 to 2016 — were focused on handing over the lead role in internal peace and security to appropriate civilian agencies. October 2011 The Defense Planning Guidance (2013–2018) is released, according to a 2016 study by De Castro. It restructures the AFP into a “lean but fully capable” military to confront the challenges to the country’s territorial integrity and maritime security. The guide emphasizes the importance of naval assets. The guide also includes the reduction of infantry and marine battalions so limited financial resources could be redirected to key priorities. These reductions would take effect in 2012. May 4, 2012 The military’s development arm and anti-insurgency unit, the National Development Support Command, is abolished. It was first formed in 2006 under the Arroyo government to handle the military’s development programs in far-flung areas and address insurgency. July 12, 2012 The AFP National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM) is deactivated. It had mainly served as an anti-coup unit in the capital region. A smaller joint military task force for Metro Manila is activated to take NCRCOM’s place, called the Joint Task Force (JTF) NCR. December 11, 2012 Aquino signs the Revised AFP Modernization Act. It effectively restarts the clock on the modernization program, but also amends the language used to describe the components on force restructuring and human resource development. The revised law says the AFP should be transformed into a “multi-mission oriented force” that has the shifting capability to meet internal and external threats. February 2014 Responsibility for Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), a high-tide elevation some 120 nautical miles off Zambales, is transferred from the Tarlac-based Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) to the Palawan-based Western Command (Wescom). The move is meant to put the country’s external defense efforts under one commander. Wescom also has more ships and aircraft capable of monitoring the shoal. March 16, 2016 The Philippine Navy activates its Submarine Group to “lay the groundwork for undersea warfare.” April 6, 2018 Special operations are effectively unified under one command, after then-president Rodrigo Duterte deactivated the Army Special Operations Command and transferred its personnel to the newly activated AFP Special Operations Command (AFPSOCOM). The AFPSOCOM is tasked with commanding all the military’s elite units: the Special Operations Wing of the Air Force, Naval Special Operations Group of the Navy, Scout Ranger Regiment, Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) and Light Reaction Regiment of the Army, and Joint Special Operations Group of the General Headquarters. June 2018 The AFP activates the AFP Cyber Group (AFPCyG). April 13, 2022 Duterte signs Republic Act No. 11709, which sets a fixed three-year term for high-ranking AFP officers, including the chief of staff. The law is said to end a “revolving door” policy that gave rise to military chiefs serving for only a few months before mandatory retirement. Other provisions in the law intend to strengthen the merit system of the AFP and ensure continuity of programs and policies. September to November 2022 The 4th Marine Brigade transfers from Sulu to Ilocos Norte. It is now under the command of Nolcom, which means it is also responsible for Scarborough Shoal and the Philippine Rise, key features in the West Philippine Sea. (READ: From Sulu to Burgos, the Marines’ Fourth Brigade comes home) May 17, 2023 President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. amends the law fixing high-ranking AFP officers’ terms to three years. The AFP chief is given a “maximum tour of duty” of three consecutive years, instead of the “fixed tour of duty” in the previous law. The maximum tour of duty of the commanding generals of the Army, Navy, and Air Force are also set to two years instead of the three stipulated in the law Duterte signed. January 11, 2024 The AFP reactivates its counterintelligence group that is tasked with protecting the military against espionage, sabotage, and other intelligence activities. The unit was first organized in 1989 and disbanded in 1995 to create a presidential task force on intelligence and counterintelligence instead. (READ: Why did the Philippines reactivate its military counterintelligence group?) January 24, 2024 Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. announces that the AFP is embarking on a “comprehensive archipelagic defense concept.” It is the country’s strategy to secure its vast maritime areas. August 21, 2024 A new AFP Intelligence Command is activated “to enhance the nation’s intelligence capabilities in response to evolving security challenges,” according to AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla. Late 2024 The AFPCyG becomes the AFP Cyber Command sometime in late 2024. Expanding the group into a command allows it to have more personnel and equipment. (READ: AFP chief Brawner eyes ‘Cyber Command’) February 28, 2025 JTF NCR once again becomes the NCRCOM. March 31, 2025 The reorganization of the Naval Forces West to the Western Naval Command and the Naval Forces Northern Luzon to the Northern Luzon Naval Command is approved. (READ: Presence is deterrence: The Philippine Navy’s pivot) May 28, 2025 The AFP reorganizes special operations again, deactivating the AFPSOCOM and simultaneously reactivating the Special Operations Command of the Philippine Army and creating the Joint Special Operations Command of the AFP. October 27, 2025 The AFP officially activates the AFP Strategic Command. It is described as a “strategic hub where intelligence, operations, and civil-military functions converge,” and is tasked with overseeing and synchronizing joint exercises and engagements with allies and partners. July 2026 The AFP announces plans for a space force or a space command by 2028. – Rappler.com