Japan envoy: RAA reflects urgency of security partnership

MANILA, Philippines —  The swift and decisive approval of the Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) speaks of the urgency and strategic value the two countries attach to their security and defense cooperation, according to Japan’s top diplomat in Manila.

The RAA will officially enter into force on Sept. 11, three months after its approval by the Japanese Diet and nine months after its ratification by the Philippine Senate.

“Japan recognizes the Philippines as an indispensable partner, strategically positioned at the heart of the Indo-Pacific and united through our shared core values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law,” Ambassador Endo Kazuya said on Tuesday.

With a more challenging security environment, the RAA provides a practical framework for a mutually beneficial defense cooperation by facilitating mutual visits of forces for joint training, humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

The RAA, Endo said, “strengthens the interoperability between our forces and affirms our mutual readiness to decisively respond to emerging challenges and opportunities.”

“This agreement goes beyond being a bilateral milestone. It is a momentous contribution to the realization of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, in close cooperation with the Philippines, the United States and other like-minded partners,” he added.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Endo exchanged diplomatic notes on Tuesday for the entry into force of the RAA between the Self-Defense Forces of Japan and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“As the security environment in the region becomes increasingly severe, the entry into force of the Agreement with the Philippines, a strategic partner located at a strategic juncture on the sea lanes and sharing fundamental values and principles, will further promote security and defense cooperation between the two countries and firmly support peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” the Japanese embassy said.

At Clark Air Base in Pampanga, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) officially welcomed five of its new S-70i Black Hawk helicopters yesterday to boost its attack, transport and humanitarian assistance and disaster response capabilities.

With the new units, the PAF now has a total of 30 Black Hawk helicopters, with 17 more expected to be delivered later this year and in 2026.

The five new air assets were received formally at the Haribon hangar, Clark Air Base.

Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura, PAF commanding general, led the unveiling ceremonies.

Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, PAF spokesperson, said the helicopters arrived in the country on July 15. They form part of the 32-unit acquisition under a direct contract with Poland’s PZL Mielec.

She said the new helicopters would be operated and maintained by the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing under the Air Mobility Command.

“With this latest addition, the PAF further strengthens its capacity to conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations, troop and cargo transport and other missions critical to national security and development,” she said. – Delon Porcalla, Jose Rodel Clapano