PH, Japan launch first joint military exercise under RAA
Published Oct 8, 2025 03:17 pm
A Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) C-130 aircraft arrives at Brigadier General Benito N. Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on October 7, 2025 for the Doshin-Bayanihan 2025, a bilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) exercise with the Philippine Air Force (PAF). Doshin- Bayanihan is the first joint military training exercise by the Philippines and Japan under the newly promulgated Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA). (Photo courtesy of PAF)
The Philippines and Japan have formally kicked off “Doshin-Bayanihan 5-25,” their first joint military training exercise under the newly promulgated Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA).
Doshin-Bayanihan is a combined drill between the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) scheduled from Oct. 7 to 11 at Brigadier General Benito N. Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, Cebu.
The term “doshin” translates to “same mind” in Japanese while “bayanihan” means “mutual support” in Filipino.
The exercise focuses primarily on humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations and it aims to enhance interoperability, strengthen coordination, and improve joint airlift, mobility, and medical operations between the PAF and JASDF, according to PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco.
Training activities have also expanded to night vision goggle (NVG) flights for PAF observation, a first in the history of the exercise.
A total of 143 PAF personnel and 30 JASDF members are participating in the activity and both forces have deployed C-130 aircraft to simulate air operations under disaster scenarios.
The Department of National Defense (DND) expressed full support for the exercise as it emphasized that the activity demonstrates the “pivotal role” of RAA in facilitating enhanced bilateral defense collaboration and promoting regional resilience.
“With the RAA in place, both activities underscore the RAA’s pivotal role in facilitating enhanced bilateral defense collaboration, ensuring interoperability, and advancing both countries’ shared commitment to regional resilience, security, and stability,” DND spokesperson Asst. Sec. Arsenio Andolong said.
The RAA, which entered into force last September 11, establishes a legal framework for the reciprocal access of military forces between the Philippines and Japan for training, joint exercises, and other agreed activities.
The Doshin-Bayanihan exercise is now on its fifth iteration, Basco said. But what makes it even more special is that actual disaster relief operations will be applied to aid Cebu residents in light of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the province last September 30, she noted.
“Doshin-Bayanihan stands as a testament to the deepening defense partnership between the Philippines and Japan. Beyond strengthening military capabilities, it highlights the shared commitment of both nations to regional cooperation, disaster response, and the promotion of peace, security, and humanitarian assistance across the Asia-Pacific region,” she said.
The DND also expressed appreciation to the Japanese government for extending humanitarian assistance to communities affected by the Cebu earthquake.
Personnel of the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) show some of the relief assistance that will be distributed to earthquake victims in Tabogon, Cebu on Oct. 8, 2025. (Photo: PCG)
Vietnam Coast Guard in Cebu
Meanwhile, the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) extended humanitarian assistance to families affected by the Cebu earthquake as part of its ongoing port visit to the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.
Personnel from the PCG and VCG jointly delivered relief goods and conducted a medical mission in Tabogon, Cebu on Oct. 8 to provide aid to communities recovering from the disaster.
The humanitarian activity followed the second PCG–VCG Bilateral Meeting held on Oct. 7 in Cebu City, led by Rear Admiral Agapito B. Bibat for the PCG and Major General Tran Quang Tuan for the VCG.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepen maritime cooperation under the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime Cooperation.
During the port visit of VCG Ship CSB 8002, the PCG and VCG also held coordination meetings for joint drills on search and rescue, firefighting, and oil spill prevention which will be conducted until Oct. 10 to enhance interoperability and strengthen operational linkages between the two forces.
The PCG welcomed the VCG’s gesture of solidarity, saying it reflects the “enduring friendship and mutual trust” between Manila and Hanoi not only in safeguarding maritime security but also in extending compassion and support during times of crisis.