MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines and Japan signed and exchanged notes that will benefit the country’s Armed Forces, particularly providing equipment and supplies to enhance the military’s security and deterrence capabilities, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines said.
Japanese Ambassador ENDO Kazuya and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo signed and exchanged notes for the JPY1.6 billion (approximately PHP 611 million) Official Security Assistance (OSA) FY 2024 project on Thursday (Dec. 5) in the presence of Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. in Manila.
“The Philippines faces important sea lanes including the South China Sea and the Luzon Strait and plays an important role in regional security. This project provides assistance to the Philippine Navy to strengthen maritime security capabilities and to the Philippine Air Force to help improve monitoring and surveillance capabilities,” the Embassy of Japan said in a statement.
Under the OSA, the Philippine Navy will receive Rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs), Coastal Radar Systems and other equipment to “improve its maritime domain awareness capabilities,” the Embassy mentioned.
“The project is expected to contribute to maintaining and strengthening the regional security and to enhance the security of the vital sea lanes, and will be of significance to Japan’s security,” the Embassy added.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Air Force will receive “equipment related to the Air Surveillance Radar System” and is expected to support the “seamless operation of the radar” and further improve the monitoring and surveillance capabilities of the Philippines.
OSA is a grant aid cooperation framework which provides equipment and supplies as well as assistance for the development of infrastructures to armed forces and other related organizations of recipient countries.
By enhancing their security and deterrence capabilities, OSA aims to strengthen [our] security cooperation with the recipient countries, to create a desirable security environment for Japan, and to contribute to maintaining and strengthening international peace and security, the Embassy of Japan explained.
After the ceremony, Sec. Manalo affirmed the strong bilateral relationship between the Philippines and Japan, particularly in promoting peace and stability in the region.
“It only further solidifies the strong and growing collaboration between the Philippines and Japan in promoting peace, stability, and cooperation in our region and also bilaterally,” Manalo stressed.
According to the DFA, this is the second OSA of Japan for the Philippines, since it’s launched in 2023. The Philippines is one of its first recipients.
