PH, Japan activate mutual access pact
Philippines-Japan flags. INQUIRER FILE PHOTOS
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Japan formally activated on Thursday their bilateral Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), allowing the deployment of forces to each other’s territories for joint training and disaster response operations.
The Department of National Defense (DND) reiterated the agreement’s activation after it was signed last year by Japan Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and shortly ratified by President Marcos and the Senate. The Japan Diet approved the pact in June.
The DND made the announcement as military officials awaited word on the arrival of six Abukuma-class destroyer escorts that Japan recently donated to the Philippines.
The six destroyers, which have served with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force for more than 30 years, are escort ships designed mainly for antisubmarine warfare and patrol missions. But the transfers were deemed timely after the arrival earlier this week of Malvar-class BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07), one of two of the Philippine Navy’s most modern frigates to date.
The Abukuma-class destroyers are considered similar to the displacements, speed, length of the Jose Rizal-class guided missile frigates the Philippines acquired from South Korea. But the destroyers have specific capabilities, with naval experts saying these will help bridge the country’s capability gap compared to those of malign naval forces in the region.
Closer collaboration
Authorities said that talk of equipment acquisitions and training just shows that the RAA has already opened closer collaboration between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Japan Self-Defense Forces, facilitating joint exercises, training, and operational activities.
READ: PH, Japan hold joint drills after RAA
The DND said the agreement supports the Philippines’ efforts to enhance deterrence and advance national interests.
“The entry into force of the RAA validates the strength of our people-to-people ties, shared values and common purpose for the security and stability of the region,” the department said in a statement, noting the support of President Marcos, the Philippine Senate, and the Japanese government.
According to the defense department, Japan continues to support the Philippines through its Official Security Assistance program, providing maritime domain awareness capabilities, while both countries explore further cooperation under the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Program.
The formal approval of the RAA’s implementing arrangements is expected to pave the way for operational cooperation between Philippine and Japanese forces.
