America is not the only nation in a fight for freedom, stability, and security. International threats are complex, the missions are critical, and the operators leading them must think globally while acting locally.

The Philippines is one of America’s longest strategic allies. From their geographical importance of World War II, to their front lines combating Chinese expansion in the Pacific, the military partnership between the United States and the Philippines is an important part of global stability.

At the heart of this collaboration, is the Joint Special Operations Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. A force that has been shaped by decades of counterinsurgency, counterterrorism, and close partnership with America's Green Berets and Special Operations Forces.

From the Global Special Operations Foundation Symposium in Athens, Greece, Fran Racioppi sat down with the Commander of Joint Special Operations Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Brigadier General Eliglen Villaflor, to discuss the evolution of Special Operations in the Philippines, the lessons learned from years of conflict, and the country’s expanding role in regional and international security cooperation.

General Villaflor shared his perspective on leading through complexity, building true interoperability with partners like the United States, and preparing the next generation of Filipino Special Operators to face an ever-changing threat environment.

This episode is about partnership, professionalism, and the shared mission that connects Special Operations Forces around the world to defend freedom wherever it’s challenged.

Highlights

0:00 Introduction
1:45 Welcome to GSOF Europe 2025
3:30 Mission of Philippines Joint Special Operations Command
5:28 JSOC Commander Challenges
8:21 Large Scale Combat Operations in the Philippines
11:48 Building relationships in SOF
15:54 Philippine Armed Forces Culture
18:22 Interoperability in the Philippines
19:33 Philippines’ biggest threat
23:31 Future of JSOC Philippines

Quotes

“We’re a family.”
“The Joint Special Operations Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines was formally activated just last May.”
“I am the force employer.”
“The challenges will outweigh the positive impact of having JSOC.”
“The engagement with the U.S. counterpart has been more aggressive than before.”
“Our core mission is to work with other nations to achieve the combined goals of our nations.”
“I’m very glad I was given the opportunity to train with foreign counterparts, especially the U.S.”
“SOF are not only building trust, we are building family. We are family and we take care of each other.”
“People mostly join the Armed Forces because of low economic status.”
“I want to avail of the free education.”
“We are always leader centered.”
“We are now inculcating in our culture the word interoperability.”
"Aggressive, illegal, dangerous, and coercive action of China is very visible in our country.”
“It’s still all about the mindset, attitude, and discipline.”

Special thanks to the Global Special Operations Foundation for hosting us in Athens.

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