The Philippines and Japan launched their first joint exercise under the new Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) on Wednesday, October 8, where both countries’ air force units will bring aid to Cebu residents affected by the recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake.
The humanitarian mission is being carried out under the Doshin-Bayanihan 5-25, a bilateral exercise between the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) that opened on Wednesday at Brigadier General Benito N. Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City.
The operation marks the first implementation of the Japan-Philippines RAA, which took effect September 11. The pact allows both countries’ forces to enter each other’s territory for joint activities and simplifies rules for the movement of each country’s forces during joint military activities, including disaster response operations.
The Doshin-Bayanihan series itself began in 2017 as a bilateral training exercise between Manila and Tokyo focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Over the years, it has expanded to include more complex airlift and medical operations.
This fifth edition is the first held under a formal legal framework that allows foreign troops to conduct operations on Philippine soil. The RAA mirrors similar arrangements Japan has with Australia and the United Kingdom.
Aid delivery part of exercise
According to the Philippine Air Force, the exercise will run from October 7 to 11 and will involve 143 PAF personnel and 30 JASDF members.
Both air forces are using C-130 transport aircraft to carry out airlift and mobility operations that replicate real disaster scenarios while also providing actual relief aid to local residents.
Training activities include medical operations and, for the first time, night vision goggle flights for PAF observers.
Officials said these drills are designed to enhance interoperability and readiness for joint disaster response.
‘The term ‘Doshin’ means ‘same mind’ in Japanese, while ‘Bayanihan’ means ‘mutual support’ in Filipino,’ a statement by Col. Ma. Christina O. Basco, chief of PAF’s public affairs, read.
‘This exercise stands as a testament to the deepening defense partnership between the Philippines and Japan, and to our shared commitment to humanitarian assistance across the region,” it added.
Yesterday, Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro described the activities as both an exercise and an aid mission at the same time.
“The DND expresses appreciation to the Japanese government for extending humanitarian assistance, which occurred concurrently with the Doshin-Bayanihan Exercise,” Teodoro said. “This effort aims to address urgent needs of communities affected by the recent earthquake in Cebu.”
The defense chief added that the RAA ‘plays a pivotal role in facilitating enhanced bilateral defense collaboration, ensuring interoperability, and advancing both countries’ shared commitment to regional resilience, security and stability.’