General Romeo Brawner Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, directed the Army’s Scout Rangers to end the communist-led insurgency in preparation for a shift to territorial defense. During the installation of Col. Isagani Criste as the new commander of the First Scout Ranger Regiment, Brawner emphasized the urgency of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s order to defeat the New People's Army (NPA) within the year. The NPA, with 1,800 members, still influences 200 barangays. Despite not achieving the goal set by former President Rodrigo Duterte to end the NPA within his term, the military reduced the rebel membership. Brawner highlighted the Scout Rangers' role in the success against the NPA, including the termination of high-value leaders Jorge Madlos and Menandro Villanueva.

Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. outlined the Department of National Defense's (DND) ongoing efforts to establish a 'credible deterrent posture' and enhance disaster response capabilities in the Philippines. Amidst overseeing the response to typhoon 'Egay,' Teodoro emphasized the importance of upgrading equipment, bridging modernization gaps, and improving the skills of defense personnel. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the DND to seek nontraditional partners and alliances to bolster defense and disaster preparedness, with a focus on technology and cyber sectors. The DND aims to foster cross-border investments in disruptive technologies and ensure a self-reliant defense program. Teodoro also highlighted the need for real-time information convergence and the welfare of military personnel. The Office of Civil Defense's role in providing reliable information during disasters was also discussed, along with the contributions of various government agencies such as the DILG, DOST, PHIVOLCS, PAGASA, DPWH, and DENR in preparedness and resiliency efforts.

The Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other agencies are fully prepared for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s second State of the Nation Address, despite potential rallies, protests, and a transport strike by the Manibela group. The Philippine Coast Guard is on heightened alert, and government work and public school classes in Metro Manila are suspended for the day. The region is also bracing for cloudy skies and rain due to Typhoon Egay and the southwest monsoon. Over 22,000 policemen will be deployed, supported by AFP, PCG, and other government personnel, with the PNP also utilizing drones for security monitoring.

The Philippine National Police canceled the scheduled turnover ceremonies for eight senior officers after Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr., chairman of the National Police Commission, stated the reassignments were not officially approved. The DILG chief emphasized the need for a process involving Napolcom confirmation and presidential approval for such assignments. The reassignment order had been issued by Camp Crame but was halted due to the lack of official sanction, underscoring the principle of civilian control over the police.

The House of Representatives and the Department of National Defense paid tribute to former senator and Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Rodolfo 'Pong' Biazon, who passed away at age 88 on Independence Day. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon, his son, praised his bravery and service. Biazon was remembered for his legislative work, including laws on anti-trafficking, military modernization, and reproductive health. The DND highlighted his patriotism, integrity, and commitment to the country's freedom and democratic institutions.

Major Gen. Arturo G. Rojas has been appointed as the 36th commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps, succeeding Lt. Gen. Charlton Sean Gaerlan. Rojas, a veteran Marine commander, previously served as the commander of the Special Operations Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and has held various other military positions. Additionally, the Philippine Air Force and the United States Air Force conducted a joint air-to-air combat training exercise, COPE THUNDER 23-1, at Clark Air Base, which is part of ongoing efforts to improve readiness and interoperability between the forces.

The Communist Party of the Philippines confirmed the deaths of leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, accusing the military of capturing, torturing, and killing them and ten others. The military had previously suggested the Tiamzons died in a boat explosion during a clash in Samar. CPP's Marco Valbuena contradicted this, detailing the alleged capture and execution on August 21, 2022, and described the boat explosion as a cover-up. The military has not yet responded to these claims.

Filipino and American troops engaged in joint CBRN training on the second day of the Balikatan exercises at the 3rd Infantry Division headquarters in Capiz. The training, part of the largest iteration of the exercise with 17,600 participants, included discussions on protective gear and practical exercises. US Army Pacific Commander General Charles Flynn and AFP Chief of Staff General Andres Centino discussed bilateral cooperation and future engagements during Flynn's visit to Camp Aguinaldo.

The Philippines has announced four additional locations to host American troops under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), aimed at boosting disaster response and defending the country's eastern coast. The sites include Naval Base Camilo Osias, Lal-lo Airport, Camp Melchor Dela Cruz, and Balabac Island. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has discussed the importance of these sites with local officials, while the Pentagon plans to expand funding for infrastructure investments at these and existing EDCA sites. The new locations will also facilitate the largest-ever military exercise between Filipino and American troops scheduled for April.