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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Palace: PH-Japan drills mark stronger regional cooperation, not just military preparedness

Palace: PH-Japan drills mark stronger regional cooperation, not just military preparedness

Published Oct 9, 2025 03:03 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)
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)
Malacañang said the first-ever joint military exercises between the Philippines and Japan are a reaffirmation of both nations’ shared commitment to peace, cooperation, and readiness—not merely an act of defense.
In a press briefing on Thursday, Oct. 9, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Marcos welcomed the Doshin-Bayanihan 5-25 drills as a symbol of “stability, cooperation, and practical preparedness” under the recently ratified Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA).
“Iyan din po ang nais talaga ng Pangulo. Magkaroon ng reaffirmation ng ating commitment, stability, peace, cooperation dito po sa Indo-Pacific (That is also what the President truly wants—to reaffirm our commitment to stability, peace, and cooperation here in the Indo-Pacific),” she said.
The Palace Press Officer added that beyond defense, the activities will also strengthen both nations’ capabilities in humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
“Hindi lang po ito ang nagpapalakas ng depensa, kung ‘di nagbibigay pa rin po ng karagdagang kaalaman at para po mas maagarang pagresponde, lalung-lalo na po kapag mayroon pong kalamidad na nangyayari sa atin (This not only strengthens our defense but also enhances knowledge and coordination for faster disaster response, especially during times of calamity),” she said.
Asked whether the said joint exercises would influence Manila’s approach to the West Philippine Sea tensions, Castro declined to elaborate.
“Hindi ko po masasagot iyan at ide-defer ko nalang po iyan sa DFA (I cannot answer that and will defer to the Department of Foreign Affairs),” she said.
The Doshin-Bayanihan 5-25 exercise, currently ongoing, is the first major activity under the RAA between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces.
The drills are expected to improve coordination, communication, and crisis management between Filipino and Japanese personnel in responding to both security and non-traditional threats, such as natural disasters.
Under the pact, Japanese and Filipino forces can conduct joint activities, including training and disaster response operations, within each other’s territories.

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