Page last updated on February 08, 2019

Military expenditures:
1.4% of GDP (2017)
1.28% of GDP (2016)
1.14% of GDP (2015)
1.09% of GDP (2014)
1.24% of GDP (2013)
country comparison to the world: 83
[see also: Military expenditures country ranks ]

Military branches:
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP): Army, Navy (includes Marine Corps), Air Force (2013)

Military service age and obligation:
17-23 years of age (officers 20-24) for voluntary military service; no conscription; applicants must be single male or female Philippine citizens with either 72 college credit hours (enlisted) or a baccalaureate degree (officers) (2013)

Maritime threats:
the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; during 2017, 22 attacks were reported in and around the Philippines including 19 ships that were boarded, one fired upon, 10 crewman kidnapped for ransom, and two killed; an emerging threat area lies in the Celebes and Sulu Seas between the Philippines and Malaysia where it is believed the pirates involved are associated with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorist organization; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift