🇰🇷🇵🇭 | The Philippine Embassy in Korea highlights the contribution of Filipino workers to the construction of the Philippine Navy's new warships. Bringing the future BRP Rajah Humabon (PS-22) Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) into life, built by Filipino skilled workers. The BRP Rajah Humabon OPV is scheduled to be delivered to the Philippines by February 2027.

The Philippine officials met with approximately 20 representatives of Filipino workers employed at HD HHI and residing in the ROK’s southern region.

Three (3) more 2,400-ton Sulayman-class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), alongside the 3rd and 4th 3,200-ton Miguel Malvar-class Guided Missile Frigates are currently under construction at Ulsan, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. The same Filipino craftsmanship of the employed Filipino skilled workers of HD HHI will bring these new warships, the new OPVs and Frigates into life, until the ships are delivered in 2028-2029. Made by Filipinos, for Filipinos.

https://www.philembassy-seoul.com/news/brp-rajah-jumabon-launch-highlights-filipino-contributions-to-ph-rok-maritime-partnership

Didn't Gibo said during the Budget Hearings at tge Senate DND has yet to trigger the full 50 billion Unprogrammed Funds for AFP Modernization???

So no more additional MMCF among other things the AFP was planning to procure with the unprogrammed funds?

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🇯🇵🇵🇭 | The training for the five (5) Abukuma-class Destroyer Escorts, to be acquired from Japan is included in the budget. The Philippine Navy will conduct an inspection on the Abukuma-class Destroyer Escorts by November 2026, and the transfer and delivery of the new vessels are expected to be finalized soon.

Recently, the lead ship of the Abukuma-class Destroyer Escorts, the JS Abukuma (DE-229) has conducted a farewell PR event for the ship with the Japanese public. While JS Tone (DE-234) is currently being refurbished and repainted, in preparation for the transfer of the ship to the Philippine Navy. The JS Abukuma and JS Tone are expected to be delivered to the Philippine Navy starting in 2027, after its decommissioning next year. All of the 5 Abukuma-class Destroyer Escorts are expected to be delivered in two to three years.

Video from Senate of the Philippines.

it will probably go badly as Vietnam had in found out in 1974 and 1988 but it would nevertheless be an interesting scenario.

🇰🇷🇵🇭 | Among the like-minded environment of the Philippines, the Republic of Korea is the only country equipped and capable of supplying and meeting the Philippines' demands, Defense Sec. Gibo Teodoro said. Korea has supplied a total of 12 warships for the Philippine Navy, and is seeking to secure the Navy's first submarine acquisition project. Korea also seeks to secure the MRF project of the Philippine Air Force, with the KF-21s.

Video from Senate of the Philippines.

Source: One Mindanao | 2nd Mechanized Brigade

"ARMOR OF PEACE"

SABRAH TANK ASCOD II

BOOSTING EXTERNAL TERRITORIAL DEFENSE CAPABILITY and SUSTAINING THE GROUNDS IN INTERNAL SECURITY OPERATIONS

Headquarters, 2nd Mechanized Infantry "Magbalantay" Brigade" Camp Datu Badrodin Maria Cristina Iligan City under the sterling leadership of Brigadier General Bernardo A Taqueban, Commander of this unit officially receives the four (4) Sabrah Tank Ascod II representing a paradigm shift in the nation's defense posture of the Philippine Army.

Dubbed as the "Armor of Peace," this state-of-the-art tracked combat light tank asset marks a structural evolution for the Armor "Pambato" Division. It is systematically engineered to achieve a dual strategic objective boosting external territorial defense capabilities while sustaining the grounds of internal security operations. As part of Armed Forces of the Philippines pursuit to the Revised AFP Modernization Program that directly fuels the operational readiness, progressive development and lasting peace throughout our territorial sovereignty.

The Sabrah Tank Ascod II delivers an unprecedented blend of lethal firepower, networked battlefield intelligence, and tactical mobility. Outfitted with an automated turret and a heavy-hitting 105mm main gun, its advanced armor plating and remote weapon systems safeguard troop mobility as it provides mobile direct-fire support capable of countering mechanized incursions along coastal approaches and critical defense sectors. Armed with digital advance battle management systems, it synchronizes with modern combined-arms operations to defend the country's land domain. The Sabrah ASCOD II elevates the armor force from traditional infantry-fighting support to a highly sophisticated maneuver element. Outlined for the future modernization, the “Armor of Peace" serves as a definitive statement defeating against external threats and reinforcing stability in internal security operations that will ensures national peace and development throughout the country.

The Senate will include a special provision in the 2027 General Appropriations Act that would allow the Philippines to use foreign and domestic financing for the defense acquisitions. This will give the Department of National Defense (DND) the flexibility while waiting for the passage of the House Bill 8059.

Video from Senate of the Philippines.

The Department of National Defense (DND) has yet to trigger the full 50 billion pesos 2026 unprogrammed funds, for the Revised AFP Modernization Program. The ₱50 billion unprogrammed funds is expected to be released by Q3 to Q4 of this year, to fund the new defense acquisitions to be contracted by year-end.

Source: https://x.com/rybar_pacific/status/2111789442981826818

News Source: https://www.philstar.com/nation/2026/10/18/2563958/4-terrorists-killed-mindanao-shootout

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — A suspected leader of terrorist group Dawlah Islamiya wanted for bomb attacks and other atrocities was killed along with his three followers in an alleged shootout with government security forces in Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao del Norte on Friday.

Yusa Ganoy and his men reportedly drew their guns and opened fire at a joint team of the police and the Navy who were about to serve warrants for his arrest at his hideout in Barangay Tapayan.

The arresting team composed of agents of the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and personnel of the Navy’s 1st Marine Brigade as well as the Bangsamoro police retaliated, triggering a firefight that lasted several minutes.

Ganoy and his men, whose identities were not immediately available, died at the scene of the firefight.

Bangsamoro police director Gen. Christopher Abecia said Ganoy and his followers were known for harassing and extorting money from residents and local businessmen.

The suspect had been facing charges of terrorism, multiple murder, multiple frustrated murder, arson, drug trafficking and extortion in different courts in Maguindanao del Sur.

Police said Ganoy was the fourth most wanted man in the province, and was behind bomb attacks in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

The arresting team recoered an assault rifle, three .45-caliber pistols and an improvised explosive device from the suspects.

Reports said residents helped the team locate Ganoy and his followers.

Hi, pano po ito ? Form C po afpsat ko then, dito po sa Google form for CSC ito lang po yung choices sa afpsat scores. Pa help naman po. Salamat po!

Hi everyone,

I am trying to verify the military service records of my great-great-grandfather. He was former military personnel who lived in Eastern Samar.

Since I am doing this remotely, I wanted to ask if anyone knows of any online verification portals, email channels, or digitized archives where I can start looking? I don't want to travel all the way to Manila if it can be avoided.

I'm considering reaching out to the Office of the Adjutant General (OTAG) or the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), but I’d love to hear from anyone who has successfully requested service records online or via email. What specific documents did you have to provide to prove your lineage, and how long did the process take?

Any tips or contact details for PVAO's Region VIII or OTAG's non-current records division would be incredibly helpful. Thank you!

Naisip ko lang, puwede ba na si officer mismo ang pumili kung saang division/unit siya madedestino?

The AFP is looking to acquire a total of 48 missile firing units of surface-to-air missile systems to address the air defense requirements of the PAF, PA, and PMC. Japan is positioning itself to secure a share of this acquisition, with the Type 03 Chū-SAM emerging as a potential contender. If successful, the deal could mark the system’s first export sale, reflecting Japan’s growing willingness to expand defense equipment exports while strengthening its strategic partnership with the Philippines.

USNI Report

Hello, to those soldier or any OCS pursuer. I would like to get some advice po sana.

Story: Currently 25 years old na ako but turning 26 sa early November, 2026. Pinaplano ko mag OCS pero nag dadalawang isip ako dahil huli na ba? as per recruitment kasi "not a day older than 27 years old upon oath taking" ang worry ko baka the entire process including the PFT, Medical, and Neuro. Baka hindi ako umabot sa required age upon oath taking. Any advice? Dapat ko pa bang ituloy? huli na ba?

Kailan kaya matatauhan mga pulpolitiko natin? ganyan na yung threat nung kabila pero walang sense of urgency mga pulpolitiko natin.

Good day po ma'am and sir. Hihingi lang po sana ako advice sa matter na to.

Background: I'm a PRC licensed po, pinag aral ng magulang sa private university so i think i'm really getting their frustration (beside sa mapanganib talaga yung trabaho) sa pag join ko ng paocs. Malakas po kutob ko na hindi nila ako susuportahan sa mga gastusin ko sa pag aapply kaya naghahanap na po ako ng trabaho to fund my process. Noong napapansin nila na nagpapalakas na ako e kinausap po ako, more on "redirecting" yung sinasabi sakin.

May mga advice or story po kayo na pwede mashare? Should I just listen to my parents po?

Desidido po ako mag military. Ayaw ko pong mamiss yung chance sa ocs.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte's mockery of the Philippine Air Force's FA-50PH Fighting Eagle was featured in an article from South Korea. "In June 2016, ahead of his inauguration, then Philippine President-elect Rodrigo Duterte lashed out regarding the purchase of South Korean light fighter jets, the FA-50, saying it was a waste of money. His reasoning was that the aircraft could only be used for celebratory flights at ceremonies and had no use for suppressing rebels.

During the Aquino (PNoy) administration, the Philippines agreed to acquire 12 FA-50s from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for 18.9 billion pesos. The first two arrived in November 2015 and performed a celebratory flyover at the ceremony marking the founding of the armed forces.

Duterte mocked this scene at a business event in his hometown of Davao. He asked what could be done with just two aircraft, saying that it would have been better to use that money to buy helicopters or boats to prevent kidnappings.

The turning point occurred in 2017 in the city of Marawi on Mindanao Island. When militants affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) occupied the city, the Philippine military waged urban warfare for nearly five months.

Then-Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana later told reporters that President Duterte wanted more FA-50s. He explained that the number could be increased now that the President had seen the effectiveness firsthand. When the fighter jet, originally intended for celebratory flights, proved its worth in actual combat, the president who had mocked it ended up wanting to purchase additional units."

The article cited Duterte's change of attitude towards the FA-50s after the aircraft's first combat record in Marawi Siege, defeating the Maute-ISIS terrorist groups, showcasing the capabilities of the FA-50s. That made Duterte embarrassed, and where he has been proven wrong.

But instead of acquiring the additional FA-50s, Duterte failed to secure the deal so they transferred the obligation to the Marcos Jr. administration, under President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. The Philippines signed an additional contract for 12 upgraded FA-50 Block-70 fighter jets worth approximately 1 trillion won in June 2025 and will receive them sequentially from 2026 to 2030, making a total of 23 FA-50 Block-70 fighter jets (the current FA-50s to be upgraded in Block-60 to Block-70 standards).

Online in Korea, there was an outpouring of gratifying reactions that the talk of it being a waste of money (by Duterte) had come back in the form of an additional contract in less than 10 years.

"Even (former) President Duterte's public ridicule lost its power in the face of 314 sorties. A weapon that earns trust in combat is chosen again, even when the administration changes."

The first units of the FA-50 Block-70 fighter jets of the Philippine Air Force is expected to be revealed in 2027, and will be delivered starting in early 2028. The acquisition of the FA-50s that Rodrigo Duterte once mocked, has become a stepping stone for the possible acquisition of up to 40 KF-21 Boramae fighter jets for the Philippine Air Force. With Korea Aerospace Industries providing the best guarantee of "rapid delivery without delay after ordering" for the export of KF-21 Boramae to the Philippines. Korean investment and banking firms expects the deal to be finalized by the end of the year, or by the first half of 2027. Yuanta Securities expects the Philippines to purchase up to 40 KF-21 Boramae fighter jets.

https://feed.viewus.co.kr/ai/article/336654/

I run into a little problem. I registered online in the google form for the AFPSAT. But my name was not in the list to take the AFPSAT. Can I just Walk in as long I bring the necessary requirements?

🇰🇷🇵🇭 | Hanwha Aerospace is prepared to supply the Philippines with the K239 Chunmoo Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), under the Re-Horizon 3 phase priority projects. They're ready to take a step-by-step approach to contribute to the Philippines' Self-Reliant Defense Posture program with the K239 Chunmoo MLRS.

“Our aim is not simply to deliver weapon systems, but to support our Partner’s modernization, readiness timelines and long-term sustainment. We are prepared to take a step-by-step approach to contributing to the Philippines’ Self-Reliant Defense Posture program,” said by Min-chang Kim, Head of Chunmoo Business at Hanwha Aerospace.

For the Philippines, building long-range fires is no longer only a question of which system performs best, but which can be delivered, fielded and sustained on a realistic timeline. The recent experience of several European armies suggests that Chunmoo offers a practical answer.

Long-range precision fires have moved to the forefront of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) priorities under Re-Horizon 3 of the AFP Modernization Program. Multiple rocket launchers and land-based missile systems sit at the heart of that shift, giving commanders greater reach and flexibility to support joint operations across the Philippine archipelago.

Beyond delivery, a potential Chunmoo program could strengthen the AFP’s ability to maintain and sustain its own equipment. The proposed support arrangements include the establishment of maintenance facilities in the Philippines, together with the transfer of maintenance technology and specialized tools to support in-country servicing by Philippine personnel. Such arrangements would support a more self-reliant defense posture while keeping long-term operational readiness at the center of the program.

The decision on the AFP’s future long-range fires capability ultimately rests with the Philippine government. As the country moves forward with Re-Horizon 3, the challenge is not simply to acquire a capable weapon system, but to establish a sustainable operational capability within the timeframe required by its national defense priorities.

With its growing record of international deliveries, flexible firepower and the potential for long-term support and local maintenance capability, Chunmoo presents a credible option for meeting that challenge. Backed by an established defense partnership between Korea and the Philippines, it represents more than a new weapons platform — it offers a potential foundation for the AFP’s long-range fires capability for decades to come.

https://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/2026/10/chunmoo-offers-a-practical-path-for-the-philippines-long-range-fires-modernization/