CLARK — Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) recently conducted a bilateral training in Clark.
Doshin – Bayanihan 2-22 focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) and search and rescue (SAR).
PAF Commanding General Lieutenant General Connor Anthony Canlas Sr. said the training is a significant milestone for defense cooperation between Philippines and Japan as part of the continuing genuine commitment in bringing the two air forces together.
“If I weigh on how the relationship between the Philippines and Japan is progressing, it is getting stronger because we are producing more activities that necessitates cooperation between both countries… We are extending our activities for stronger cooperation with Japan not only in economic, but in military and air defense as well,” he stated.
It also aims to strengthen the capability of the concerned units of PAF and JASDF; and to enhance cooperation and exchanges between the two air forces in the areas of non-traditional security such as HADR, SAR, and wing surveillance.
In addition, Canlas highlighted that through the training, both countries have the opportunity to share each other’s experiences and knowledge on delivery operations of relief goods given their vulnerability to natural disasters and calamities.
“Through this, we are communicating to all of you our equal commitment to building our gains in exploring the potentials of our bilateral relations. Both our parties value peace, stability, and prosperity,” he added.
About 300 personnel from various units of PAF benefitted in the activities including flight training with airdrop and ground load/offload utilizing PAF and JASDF C-130 aircrafts; subject matter expert exchange on warning and surveillance, and search and rescue; and the utilization of PAF C-130 and JASDF C-130 aircrafts.
For his part, JASDF Chief of Staff General Izutsu Shunji emphasized that the Doshin Bayanihan 2-22 helps both countries to understand how they provide assistance or deliver relief goods by exchanging ways on the delivery of support to the victims of any calamity or disaster.
“Japan and the Philippines are countries with numerous commonalities when it comes to security. Both countries are prone to natural disasters, and responding to this is a common job of both of our air forces. One of our most important missions is to rescue the people,” he pressed.
PAF and JASF pledged to amplify their efforts to train to be more credible in responding to the people’s needs during unfortunate situations.
SOURCE: Jag Lyra D. Costamero (pia3)
