The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) believes that the Senate’s ratification of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan is a vital contribution to addressing challenges in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
According to AFP Spokesperson Col. Francel Padilla, the military deal will bring benefits to the country and serve as the foundation for enhanced cooperation between the two forces.
Padilla also mentioned that the AFP expects to gain improved maritime domain awareness, enhanced technology and intelligence sharing, as well as better training for Filipino and Japanese soldiers.
Furthermore, the Philippine Navy also welcomed the ratification of the agreement between the two countries.
According to the Philippine Navy Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, Japan's support is crucial for the Philippines in preparing to strengthen its external defense.
The military issued the statement following the approval of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) in the upper house of Congress, where it received a unanimous 19-0 vote.
The agreement details the provisions regarding entry and departure, movement, access to facilities, and the professional activities of the visiting force and civilian component for cooperative purposes.
It also establishes the rules governing jurisdiction over the actions of the visiting force and the civilian component.
It seeks to strengthen security and defense cooperation between the two countries, enhancing interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Japan Self-Defense Forces by facilitating more comprehensive military cooperation and joint exercises.
