PH, Japan to hold air drills in Cebu

Inquirer file photo

MANILA, Philippines — The air forces of the Philippines and Japan are gearing up for joint exercises in Cebu this week to enhance their interoperability in disaster response.

More than 150 airmen from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force will take part in the exercise called “Doshin Bayanihan” from Oct. 2 to Oct. 6 at Brig. Gen. Benito N. Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, the PAF said in a statement. This is the third joint drill of its kind between the two air forces.

READ: PH Air Force, US Pacific Air Forces hold joint drills in Pampanga, Cebu

Both sides will participate in various training activities, including simulated airdrop flight training, load/offload training, aeromedical evacuation exercises, and subject matter expert exchanges. The exercises will also involve one C-130 cargo aircraft from each air force.

Ring of Fire

The Philippines and Japan are both vulnerable to natural disasters, with high incidences of typhoons and other calamities every year. Both nations sit on the Pacific Ring of Fire, prone to earthquakes and volcanic activities.

“Doshin-Bayanihan is a testament to the growing bilateral relationship between the Philippines and Japan. This joint training not only strengthens defense capabilities but also fosters regional cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts,” the PAF said.

Military exercises between Manila and Tokyo are expected to increase in size and scope in the coming years after the two countries signed a reciprocal access agreement (RAA) in July, allowing their troops and equipment on each other’s territory for combat training and disaster response.

The RAA will take effect once ratified by the Philippine Senate and the Japanese Parliament. Sen. Francis Escudero said last week that the Senate has yet to receive a copy of the signed agreement from government agencies reviewing the deal.

“As soon as we get it, probably it would take us about a month to deliberate on it and put it to a vote … So hopefully we would be able to do it within the year if they give it to us before the end of October,” he told reporters.