TWO Japanese destroyers arrived in Manila for a port visit on Monday at the tail-end of the three-day visit of Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani.
Japan has been supporting efforts of the Armed Forces to protect Philippine interest in the West Philippine Sea in the South China Sea. Nakatani on Monday met with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr and the two discussed regional security issues.
Navy chief Vice Adm. Jose Ambrosio Ezpeleta, accompanied by Defense
Undersecretary Irineo Espino, boarded one of the visiting ships, JS Hamagiri, at the South Harbor.
The other visiting Japanese warship is JS Ariake.
The commanding officers of the two Japanese ships, together with Capt. Yanagihara Makoto, commander of Training Division 1 of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense (JMSDF), visited the Navy headquarters later on Monday.
Navy spokesman Capt. John Percie Alcos, in a statement, said Ezpeleta extended “his sincere gratitude” to Nakatani “for the continued support and collaboration between the JMSDF and the Philippine Navy in achieving maritime security and stability in the region.”
Alcos said Nakatani emphasized that JMSDF activities “are crucial for strengthening ties and fostering mutual trust with countries like the Philippines.”
“He (Nakatani) also expressed hope that various exchange programs with the Philippine Navy would further strengthen defense cooperation, as the Philippines is a strategic partner that shares fundamental values with Japan,” added Alcos.
Alcos said the activity was an “important step in deepening the country’s strategic partnership with Japan,”
He noted that the Philippine Navy “remains committed to enhancing cooperation in maritime security, fostering stronger ties, and working together for a more secure and peaceful Indo-Pacific region.”
Meanwhile, the Philippine Air Force said it is ready to escort planes of the Bureau Aquatic Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) doing patrols in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
On February 18, a Chinese Navy helicopter harassed a BFAR Cessna plane patrolling Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc and Panatag Shoal. The Chinese helicopter flew as close as three meters from the BFAR aircraft during the mission, endangering the safety of the pilots, Philippine Coast Guard personnel and photojournalists on board.
Air Force spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said FA50 fighter planes and light attack Super Tucano aircraft can be deployed for such missions “if needed, if they are called upon.”
“Whenever we are called upon to deploy our air assets to support other aircraft operating, be it civilian aircraft or another military aircraft, the Air Force is capable,” she told a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo.
