MANILA – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) wind down its humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) exercises on Monday (Oct. 7), after four days of interoperability exercises held in Cebu.
Dubbed “Doshin-Bayanihan 2024”, the unit that participated from the PAF is one C-130H, and the “1st Tactical Airlift Group (Komaki AB) from the JASDF, consisting of about 30 participants with one C-130H unit,” according to a press release from JASDF.
“The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) successfully concluded the Doshin Bayanihan 2024 exercise, focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster response. Held in Cebu, the four-day exercise focused on aerial drop operations, rescue missions, mass casualty training, and aeromedical evacuations,” PAF said in a statement posted on X.
Photo courtesy of Philippine Air Force (PAF)
Medical teams practiced triage and emergency responses, simulating real-world scenarios to enhance their readiness. The Doshin Bayanihan Exercises are crucial for strengthening regional cooperation and preparedness in addressing natural disasters, the PAF added.
The joint exercise concluded with a closing ceremony, where officials from both air forces highlighted the successful collaboration and the importance of joint training in enhancing military readiness and HADR capabilities.
“This year’s exercises demonstrate our shared commitment to working together to address the challenges posed by natural disasters. Through these joint efforts, we are better equipped to respond to emergencies and save lives," PAF Exercise Director, Col. Reynaldo Jose A. Montoya said.
For its part, the JASDF emphasized that the joint training exercise’s goal is “to improve capabilities of HADR and strengthen cooperation between the Philippine Air Force.”
Photo courtesy of Philippine Air Force (PAF)
Earlier, defense forces from Japan and the Philippines participated in the Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea.
The United States, Australia and New Zealand joined the Philippines and Japan in the said exercise held last September 28, 2024.
