(Photo courtesy of the DND)
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. expects stronger security cooperation between the Philippines and Japan following the implementation of their Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) amid evolving regional security challenges.
Speaking at the 72nd anniversary reception of the Japan Self-Defense Force in Makati City on Wednesday night, October 14, Teodoro emphasized the importance of closer defense collaboration in addressing shared security concerns.
He said both countries must work together while upholding international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the United Nations Charter.
Teodoro noted that Manila and Tokyo have made significant progress in strengthening their defense partnership in recent years, particularly in improving national resilience and collective deterrence.
“We have worked through the past few years to a new dynamism, to a new vibrance for which we not only commit to strengthening our country’s resilience but also shared deterrence,” he said.
The Philippines-Japan RAA, which took effect in September 2025, establishes procedures allowing military personnel from both countries to participate in joint exercises, training activities and other cooperative engagements on each other’s territory.
Teodoro said such agreements provide a stronger foundation for sustainable defense partnerships, secure supply chains and continued people-to-people exchanges.
He stressed that closer cooperation would help both nations respond more effectively to regional challenges while promoting stability and security.
Philippine Army joins US defense conference
Meanwhile, a Philippine Army delegation led by Army Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Christopher Tampus participated in the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition 2026 in Washington, D.C., from October 11 to 14.
The annual gathering brought together senior military officials, defense experts, government representatives and industry leaders to discuss military modernization, emerging technologies and the future of land warfare.
Philippine Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the delegation’s participation provided valuable insights into the US Army’s modernization priorities and evolving operational strategies.
“The participation of the PA’s top brass in the meeting and symposium gives them a comprehensive understanding of the US Army’s current priorities, modernization efforts, and emerging operational concepts,” Dema-ala said Thursday.
He added that the engagements helped strengthen cooperation between the Philippine Army and the ground forces of allied and partner nations.
“The PA bolsters its Army-to-Army cooperation with ground forces of allied and partner nations in support of a peaceful and rules-based Indo-Pacific Region,” Dema-ala said.
The Philippine Army’s participation forms part of its continuing efforts to enhance defense partnerships, improve military capabilities and strengthen regional security cooperation.
