Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Pact to Be Applied for 1st Time

Tokyo, Oct. 7 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said Tuesday that a reciprocal access agreement between Japan and the Philippines, which took effect last month, will be applied for the first time to ongoing joint drills between the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the Philippine Air Force. Under the accord, the ASDF will also transport relief supplies to areas affected by a massive earthquake that occurred off the coast of Cebu Island on Sept. 30. According to the Defense Ministry, the agreement stipulates the legal status of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and the Philippine military in each other’s country, simplifying immigration and other procedures. The Philippines is the third country with which Japan has decided to conduct a joint drill under the RAA, after Australia and Britain. The exercise, which is set to involve 30 ASDF officers by Saturday, will cover humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training. At the request of the Philippines, the ASDF will transport emergency supplies, including drinking water, to Cebu Island on Thursday. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]