Country Report on Terrorism 2024 - Chapter 1 - Philippines

Country Overview:  The Government of the Philippines dedicated significant resources to countering terrorist threats, primarily in the southern regions.  In 2024, active ISIS affiliates included elements of the ASG, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Ansar al-Khalifa Philippines, and the Maute Group (aka Dawlah Islamiya).  Additionally, rogue elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front presumably carried out some attacks attributed to that organization.  Meanwhile, the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, carried out most terrorist attacks in 2024.  The Philippines also remained a destination for foreign fighters from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Middle East, and Europe.

In 2024, the government continued transforming the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) from a counterterrorism force to one focused on territorial defense.  Continued pressure by Philippine authorities increased the number of arrests and surrenders of individuals facing terrorism charges in 2024.

The Philippines remained on the FATF’s gray list and made high-level commitments to address deficiencies in its AML/CFT regime.  Meanwhile, financial crimes units successfully pursued 20 terrorism financing cases and filed and investigated 782 terrorism financing incidents.

2024 Terrorism Trends:  The Philippines reported 53 terrorism incidents with 124 fatalities. Terrorists used explosive devices and firearms to target civilians, critical infrastructure, and security forces.

Associated documents