Japanese warships dock in Manila

JS Shirane (DDH 143). Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers JS Shirane and JS Asayuki arrive at Manila South Harbor for four-day goodwill visit. TARRA QUISMUNDO/PDI

MANILA, Philippines — Two Japanese destroyers arrived at Manila’s South Harbor Wednesday morning for a four-day goodwill visit to be capped by a joint exercise with the Philippine Navy.

The Japanese ships JS Shirane (DDH 143) and JS Asayuki (DD 132) of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s  Escort Division docked at the Manila port early Wednesday with some 480 personnel, including newly deployed officers, aboard.

Captain Hideto Ikeda, Commander of the 13th Escort Division, said the fresh graduates would undergo familiarization with their new assignments during the Manila stop of their overseas training cruise.

“The purpose is to train them [on] seamanship through this training cruise. In addition to that, I encourage them to understand the strategic importance of the Philippines in Southeast Asia and the wonderful traditions and culture of this country,” Ikeda told reporters aboard the Shirane.

The Japanese crew will undertake a maneuvering training with the Philippine Navy on Saturday morning, on their way out of the Philippines, Ikeda said.

JS Asayuki (DD 132). Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers JS Shirane and JS Asayuki arrive at Manila South Harbor for four-day goodwill visit. TARRA QUISMUNDO/PDI

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Japanese warships dock in Manila port