Story perspectives

Philippine Military Adapts as NPA Declines, Skepticism Remains

3/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reports a significant decline in the New People’s Army, describing its guerrilla fighters as 'very, very negligible'.
The assessment prompts AFP commanders to revise training and strategies, moving away from traditional counter-insurgency as Asia’s longest-running insurgency shifts.
However, some officials remain skeptical that the NPA’s strength has truly diminished, and the development reflects a transformative period for the Philippine military.

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Story summary

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reports a significant decline in the New People’s Army, describing its guerrilla fighters as 'very, very negligible'.
The assessment prompts AFP commanders to revise training and strategies, moving away from traditional counter-insurgency as Asia’s longest-running insurgency shifts.
However, some officials remain skeptical that the NPA’s strength has truly diminished, and the development reflects a transformative period for the Philippine military.