The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reiterated its commitment to protect the country and serve the public after recent results of an OCTA Research survey showed that 76 percent of Filipinos, or nearly eight in 10 people, are “satisfied” with its performance.

Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, AFP spokesperson, said the overwhelmingly positive response highlights the Filipino people’s continued confidence in the military’s dedication to national security and public service.

“The AFP attributes this high level of trust to our steadfast commitment to safeguarding the nation, upholding our constitutional mandate, and ensuring transparency and professionalism in all our operations. From external defense efforts to disaster response and peacekeeping initiatives, your AFP remains steadfast in our duty to protect the sovereignty and welfare of the Filipino people,” she said in a statement Sunday, March 2.

The survey, held from Nov. 10 to 16 last year among 1,200 adult Filipinos with a margin of error of plus/minus three percent, showed that 16 percent of the respondents were “very satisfied” while 60 percent were “somewhat satisfied” with the military’s performance.

Two percent said they were dissatisfied while 22 percent were neither satisfied nor unsatisfied.

Further, the survey also found out that 75 percent of the responders “trust” the AFP. Sixteen percent said they had “strong trust” with the AFP while 59 percent “somewhat trust” the military.

Two percent of the respondents do not trust the AFP while 23 percent said they cannot determine if they trust the military or not.

The survey also highlighted strong support for the AFP’s modernization, with 79 percent of respondents emphasizing the importance of enhancing the military’s capabilities for national security. 

It also underscored the importance of international partnerships as 78 percent of Filipinos expressed support for strengthening alliances and cooperation with other like-minded nations. 

Moreover, an overwhelming 83 percent of respondents affirmed their belief in the AFP’s political neutrality, viewing it as essential for ensuring safe, fair, and peaceful elections.

“The AFP expresses our gratitude for the unwavering trust and support of the Filipino people. With this, your AFP reaffirms our resolve to serve with integrity, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the nation,” Padilla said.