Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) stated on Wednesday that local terrorist networks have been largely dismantled, maintaining a stable peace and order situation in the country despite its ranking in the 2025 Global Terrorism Index (GTI).

According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippines was ranked 20th out of 163 countries in the latest GTI, with a score of 5.17 on a 10-point scale, where 10 indicates the highest impact of terrorism. "We take note of this report, but it is also important to emphasize the significant gains that we achieved in terms of improving peace and order and in combating terrorism-related violence," PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized in a statement.

Nartatez highlighted that terrorist groups such as Abu Sayyaf and remnants of the Maute group have been fragmented due to sustained operations and community-based interventions. The PNP's strategy has shifted from merely 'search and destroy' tactics to preventative intelligence, aiming to permanently cripple the capability of local terror groups to recruit, regroup, and perpetrate violence.

Furthermore, Nartatez assured that the PNP, in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other agencies, is prepared to counter threats in alignment with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to uphold a secure environment conducive to development.