PNP Chief Emphasizes Anti-Terrorism Progress Amid Global Ranking Report
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. addressed the nation on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, highlighting substantial achievements in the fight against terrorism. This statement comes in response to the Philippines' ranking in the recently released 2025 Global Terrorism Index (GTI).
Significant Gains in Counter-Terrorism Operations
In an official statement, General Nartatez reported that local terrorist networks have been effectively dismantled through a combination of sustained military operations and community-based interventions. He emphasized that the overall peace and order situation across the country remains stable and manageable, with security forces maintaining constant vigilance.
The PNP chief acknowledged the 2025 GTI report, which placed the Philippines at 20th out of 163 countries worldwide with a score of 5.17 out of 10. The report further identified the country as the second most impacted by terrorism in the Asia-Pacific region, following Myanmar, noting 31 fatalities from 22 separate attacks in the previous year.
Strategic Shift in Security Approach
We take note of this report, but it is also important to emphasize the significant gains we have achieved in improving peace and order and combating terrorism-related violence, Nartatez stated. He revealed that intelligence monitoring indicates groups such as the Abu Sayyaf Group and remnants of the Maute Group have become fragmented and weakened.
The police general outlined a strategic evolution in the country's security approach: Our focus is no longer just on 'search and destroy' but on preventative intelligence, aimed at ensuring that the capability of local terror groups to recruit, regroup, and carry out acts of violence is permanently crippled.
Enhanced Coordination and Technological Investment
Nartatez assured citizens that police and military forces remain prepared to thwart potential attacks, following directives from President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to maintain a secure environment conducive to national development.
The PNP is closely coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other government agencies to contain threats posed by armed groups. Manpower is not just about numbers; it's about strategic deployment and specialized skills, Nartatez explained. We are also heavily investing in technological upgrades to further improve our capability to prevent and respond to any threat.
He concluded by noting that security efforts are reinforced by a comprehensive whole-of-government approach designed to bring development and economic opportunities to areas previously affected by armed conflict, creating sustainable peace through progress.
