Philippines, Japan hold military drills in Lapu-Lapu City

CEBU, Philippines — More than 150 airmen from the Philippine Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force are participating in the joint military training exercises at the Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City starting today.

The training exercises dubbed as “Doshin-Bayanihan 2024” is part of the newly signed military agreement between the Philippines and Japan. The agreement, which was signed in July this year, allows the deployment of forces on each country’s  territory.

“Doshin-Bayanihan is a testament to the growing bilateral relationship between the Philippines and Japan…By working together, the PAF and JASDF are demonstrating their commitment to peace, security, and the well-being of their respective nations,” read a statement from the organizers of the bilateral training exercises.

This bilateral exercise with Japan aims to enhance Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) capabilities while also strengthening camaraderie with the Philippine Air Force.

Activities to be done on their training include Simulated Airdrop Flight Training, Load/Offload Training, Aeromedical Evacuation Exercises, and Subject Matter Expert Exchanges.

Both the PAF and JASDF forces will deploy a C-130 Cargo Aircraft for the exercises. — (FREEMAN)