Teodoro applauds Japan’s strong support for AFP’s modernization

Secretary of Defense (DND) Gilberto Teodoro Jr. thanked Japan for its strong support to the ongoing modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Teodoro made the comment Monday during his meeting with Japanese Minister of State for Defense Oniki Makoto at the DND headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Makoto, representing Japanese Defense Minister Kihara Minoru, will pay a three-day official visit to Manila from April 28 to 30 at the invitation of Teodoro.

“Secretary Teodoro personally welcomed Minister of State Oniki during the latter’s courtesy visit to the DND, highlighting the increased defense interaction and cooperation between the Philippines and Japan in promoting regional peace and security in the Indo-Pacific,” said DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong in a statement.

Japan’s support is crucial as the AFP transitions to the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) as part of the shift toward better protection of the country’s territories, including its exclusive economic zone, he added.

“The Philippine Navy’s current Air Surveillance Radar System (ASRS) project, the Official Security Assistance (OSA) grant for coastal radars, as well as the transfer of TC-90 Beechcraft and UH-1H spare parts from Japan in previous years, According to Minister Teodoro, they have contributed to the improvement of the AFP’s Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) capabilities,” Andolong said.

Makoto and Teodoro led the turnover, acceptance and blessing rituals of the Japanese mobile radar system to the Philippine government.

He also attended a wreath-laying ceremony and demonstration by the 525th Engineer Combat Battalion at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, attended a “Balikatan” exercise as an observer and visited the Naval Air Wing at Heracleo Alano Naval Base.

Andolong also said that a virtual meeting between Teodoro and Kihara took place on April 26, where Kihara expressed his regret about canceling his trip to the Philippines due to a domestic issue.

“Nevertheless, the two top officials will meet at the Quadrilateral Meeting of the Defense Ministers of the Philippines, Japan, Australia and the US in Hawaii in May 2024 to explore ways to work together in addressing regional security developments based on shared priorities,” he said. added. (PNA)