The Joint Special Operations Task Force - Philippines (JSOTF-P) was established in 2002 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom – Philippines (OEF-P), following the September 11 attacks and the global expansion of counterterrorism efforts. Operating primarily from Camp Navarro in Zamboanga City, JSOTF-P consisted of U.S. Army Special Forces, Navy SEALs, Air Force Special Tactics, and support personnel working alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Its mission was to advise, assist, and share intelligence with Philippine security forces as they combated extremist groups like Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Jemaah Islamiyah, and other affiliates operating in the southern Philippines, particularly in the Sulu Archipelago and Mindanao region.
Rather than conducting direct combat operations, JSOTF-P focused on a by-with-and-through approach, emphasizing partner capacity-building, counterterrorism training, civil-military operations, and humanitarian assistance. The task force played a key role in improving the AFP’s counterinsurgency capabilities, enhancing maritime security, and disrupting terrorist networks while simultaneously supporting infrastructure development, medical outreach, and local engagement to undermine extremist influence. JSOTF-P was widely regarded as a model for indirect counterterrorism partnerships. The task force concluded its mission in 2015, as Philippine forces assumed full responsibility for ongoing security efforts in the region.