PH, Japan begin bilateral drills after RAA ratification

A week after the ratification of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), the Philippines and Japan have begun training their militaries, marking the launch of a “new phase” in the defense cooperation of the two Asian countries.

- By MARTIN SADONGDONG

Naval ships from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) sailed in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as the two forces held their second bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) last June 14, eight days since Japan's National Diet ratified the RAA on June 6. The Senate earlier ratified the troop access pact in December last year.

“This cooperative activity is more than a display of maritime capability-it is a manifestation of our enduring commitment to uphold peace, stability, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific," AFP Chief, General Romeo Brawner Jr. said on Sunday, June 15.

The AFP deployed BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), the newest warship of the Philippine Navy (PN), as well as anti-submarine naval helicopter AgustaWestland AW159, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) C-208 helicopter of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), and PAF search and rescue units.

Meanwhile, Japan deployed Takanami-class destroyer JS Takanami (DDG110) and a Sikorsky SH-60K Seahawk multi-mission helicopter.