AFP History
AFP History
The Battle of Mactan took place on the 27th of April, 1521. Lapu-lapu, the ruler of Mactan, killed Ferdinand Magellan, a
Portuguese explorer who led the Spanish exploration in the East Indies. Because of this, Lapu-lapu is thought to be the
father of the Armed Forces of the Philippines because he led the first fight against foreign invaders. This is the first
recorded resistance to foreign powers that happened in the Visayas.
Spain ruled over the Philippines for 377 years, and more and more Filipinos are expressing their outrage against Spanish
occupation. On 7 July 1892, Andres Bonifacio, the Father of the Philippine Army, founded the Katipunan, a group that
sought the Philippine independence from Spain. On 23 Aug 1896, the Cry of Pugad Lawin happened which signaled the
start of the Philippine Revolution.
Rajah Soliman, a Muslim leader, led efforts to resist Spaniards’ efforts to land in Manila in 1570. Diego Silang led an
uprising which displayed his military tactics in defeating Spaniards.
Marcelo H. del Pilar, Graciano Lopez Jaena, and Jose Rizal are propagandists during the time of Spanish Occupation that
nurtured national spirit and patriotism.
Katipunan was deeply divided into two factions, Magdiwang, led by Andres Bonifacio, and Magdalo, led by Emilio
Aguinaldo.
The Tejeros Convention was held in order to solve this deadlock. The Convention was held on March 22, 1897, in Cavite.
Tejeros Convention is thought to be the first presidential election in the country, however the vote is only available for
Katipuneros, and not to the general populace. According to some sources, there were allegations of fraud during the
vote.
1.3. American Influence
On 23 April 1898, the Spanish-American war began. To solve this dispute, the Treaty of Paris was signed on 10 December
1898 and Spain was forced to cede its territories – Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to the United States. This
transfer was made even though Aguinaldo declared independence on 12 June 1898. Americans felt that the Philippines
is in a lucrative position for economic activities and so, they strengthened their influence. Emilio Aguinaldo was captured
by the American forces on 23 March 1901. General Malvar laid down arms in 16 April 1902, signaling the end of Filipino
resistance against the Americans. During this time, the Philippine Navy was formed on 22 June 1898.
on March 1942 and went to Australia, where he assumed the position of Supreme Commander, Southwest Pacific Area.
He promised to come back to the Philippines and he did, on 20 October 1944, in Leyte Gulf.
The Philippine Army, or Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas, is the oldest and largest service branch of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines. The Army is responsible for ground/land warfare. Founded on 22 March 1897, the same day as the Tejeros
Convention was held, the Philippine Army stands strong at 122 years since its founding.
Current Active Personnel: 98,400
Reserve Personnel: 120,000
Headquarters: Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
2.1.1. Objectives of the Philippine Army
Organize, train and equip Army forces for the conduct of prompt and sustained combat operations on land;
Prepare such units as may be necessary for the effective prosecution of national defense plans and programs and Armed
Forces mission, including the expansion of the peacetime Army component to meet any emergency;
Develop, in accordance with the other major services, tactics, techniques and equipment of interest to the Army on field
operations;
The Philippine Air Force is the smallest and youngest branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It is responsible for
aerial warfare and is therefore the guardian of the skies of the Philippines.
Founded on 1 July 1947, the PAF is headquartered at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City and currently has 247 aircraft and
16,000 personnel.
Organize, train and equip forces for prompt and sustained air operations for the defense of the Philippines;
Organize, train and equip forces for airlift, airborne and tactical air operations unilaterally or in coordination with surface
forces;
Formulate and develop doctrines, concepts, systems, policies, procedures, strategies, tactics and techniques for
operations peculiar to the Air Force;
Organize, train and equip all Air Force reserve units; and
Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by higher authority.