Col Montoya and LtCol Maki, exercise directors from the PAF and JASDF, respectively, during the opening of the PAF-JASDF Doshin-Bayanihan 5-25 on Oct. 8, 2025, at BGBNEAB, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

Philippines, Japan Hold 1st joint Military Exercise

Jeoffrey Maitem - : Oct 8, 2025 - : 4:12 pm

Manila and Tokyo implemented their defense pact for the first time, which took effect last month, not for military purposes but for humanitarian response efforts in the northern Cebu Province, where a recent powerful earthquake killed dozens of people and...

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On Tuesday, the Philippines and Japan officially launched their first joint activity under the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), dubbed as Doshin-Bayanihan 5-25, which runs until Saturday at Brigadier General Benito N. Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, Cebu.

The joint activity includes 30 personnel from Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force, a KC-130H transport aircraft, a Philippine C-130H, a UH-1 helicopter and 143 Filipino airmen.

“The term ‘Doshin’ means ‘same mind’ in Japanese, while ‘Bayanihan’ means ‘mutual support’ in Filipino,” a statement by Col. Ma. Christina O. Basco, chief of PAF's public affairs, read.

“This exercise stands as a testament to the deepening defense partnership between the Philippines and Japan, and to our shared commitment to humanitarian assistance across the region," it added.

Arsenio Andolong, spokesperson for the Department of National Defense (DND), said this iteration of the bilateral drills focuses on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), a key area of cooperation under the RAA.

The DND expressed its gratitude to the Japanese government for extending humanitarian assistance to those affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that hit Northern Cebu.

According to Andolong, such effort aims to address urgent needs of communities affected by the recent earthquake in Cebu.

The 6.9-magnitude earthquake killed at least 72 people, nearly 300 others injured and more 600,000 people affected, according to disaster officials.

“With the RAA in place, both activities underscore its pivotal role in facilitating enhanced bilateral defense collaboration, ensuring interoperability, and advancing both countries’ shared commitment to regional resilience, security, and stability,” he said.

Signed in July last year, the RAA aimed at enhancing maritime security in the South China Sea, amid China’s growing assertiveness in the disputed waters. It allows the deployment of Japanese and Philippine forces for joint military drills in each other’s territory.

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