PH, Japan mark first application of military deal in Cebu deployment
Metro Manila, Philippines - The Philippines and Japan have begun implementing a new military agreement, marking a milestone in defense cooperation, with its first application carried out through a humanitarian deployment in Cebu.
According to a press statement from Japan’s Ministry of Defense - the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) made effective on Sept. 11 - was invoked for the Doshin-Bayanihan 5-25 bilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise and for the operation delivering aid to communities affected by the recent earthquake in Cebu.
The exercise, held from Oct. 7 to 11, involved the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF). Activities included airdrop operations, aeromedical evacuation drills, and night-vision takeoff and landing training. Around 30 Japanese personnel and a C-130H aircraft are participating alongside PAF units.
As part of the mission, the statement said the JASDF transported Philippine-prepared relief goods from Tacloban air base in Leyte to Mactan air base in Cebu.
Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya said the RAA ushered in a “new stage” of bilateral defense ties, allowing both nations to conduct joint exercises, humanitarian missions, and equipment transfers.
“We are very much glad to see steady progress in our security and defense cooperation with the Philippines,” Endo told NewsWatch Plus in an exclusive interview.
Japan has transferred patrol aircraft and air surveillance radars to strengthen Manila’s maritime and air defense capabilities. Additional cooperation programs are underway under Tokyo’s official security assistance initiative.
The RAA also paves the way for upcoming defense pacts, including the planned Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, which will facilitate the exchange of supplies and services between the two militaries, and a potential information security accord.
“These are important next steps that we can take on the basis of the Reciprocal Access Agreement,” Endo said.
