Japan’s Parliamentary Vice Minister of Defense Iwamoto Tsuyohito visited the country and paid a courtesy call on top defense and military officials as both countries look to establish stronger cooperation in the field of security.

Department of National Defense (DND) Officer-in-Charge Jose Faustino Jr. hosted a meeting with Iwamoto at the DND Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday, July 18, as the two officials discussed the “overall Philippines-Japan defense relations and regional security concerns.”

“Both Ministers reaffirmed that respect for international law and a rules-based order is essential in maintaining peace and stability in the region, particularly in the South China Sea (SCS) and East China Sea (ECS),” DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said.

Manila and Tokyo are both dealing with ongoing maritime tension in SCS and ECS since China asserted claims in the troubled waters while citing their historic rights to the areas. This, despite an international tribunal ruling which invalidated Beijing’s claims in favor of Manila’s petition in the SCS in 2016.

Faustino then recalled the recently held Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting (2+2) between the Philippines and Japan in April 2022 which, Iwamoto said, was a “manifestation of the two countries’ growing bilateral strategic partnership.”

Iwamoto also conveyed Japan’s commitment to “contribute and assist” the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in its capability-upgrade program.

“As to multilateral cooperation, both sides look forward to dialogue among the Philippines, Japan, and other partners, as well as continuous collaboration under the auspices of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus,” Andolong noted.

Iwamoto also paid a courtesy visit on Gen. Andres Centino, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), in Camp Aguinaldo where they were joined by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kosikawa Kazuhiko.

“A short meeting followed the call focused on the furtherance of Philippines-Japan bilateral engagements anchored on existing defense cooperation agreements,” said Col. Jorry Baclor, chief of AFP public affairs office.

Centino then expressed gratitude to Japan’s contribution to the modernization program of the AFP, particularly the Air Surveillance Radar System Acquisition Project which was signed in 2020.

The DND signed a P5.5-billion contract with Japanese firm Mitsubishi Electric Cooperation for the (ASRS) project of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) which is expected to be delivered later this year. Under this project, the PAF will acquire three fixed long-range air surveillance radars which are equipped with building facilities, and a mobile air surveillance radar.

“They also  discussed the role of the PH-Japan partnership in contributing to a thriving region, seeking to uphold peace and prosperity and strengthen democratic resilience based on shared values,” Baclor added.

Iwamoto also reaffirmed the Japanese government’s commitment to help beef up the Philippine Army’s disaster response capabilities during his visit to the 525th Engineer Combat “Mandirigtas” Battalion’s (525ECB) headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila.

His visit and equipment inspection came after the Japanese government donated P51 million worth of water search and rescue, collapsed structure search and rescue, and crushed vehicle extrication and rescue equipment to the Philippine Army in October 2021. These equipment eventually went to the 52ECB.

Lt. Col. Carlo Ganancial, 525ECB Commanding Officer, said that Japan’s top-notch donation helped Mandirigtas troopers to enhance their skills that will enable them to save more lives during natural calamities, accidents, or other emergencies.

A capability demonstration showcasing the disaster-response skills of Mandirigtas troopers highlighted the visit of Iwamoto.