Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. on Monday told senators that one of the provisions of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan allows Japanese troops to participate in joint military exercises within Philippine territory.

During the public hearing of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on the ratification of the RAA, Teodoro said once the RAA is approved by Congress, it shall make way for Japan to be involved in Balikatan and Alon exercises of the Armed Forces of the Philippines with the United States and Australian troops, respectively.

He, however, clarified that the recent military exercises of the Philippines with Japan are classified as “maritime cooperative activities” and not joint military exercises.

“Maritime cooperative activities are not within the land territory of the Philippines and outside the territorial waters,” Teodoro explained.

“If at all, they are conducted in areas where there is right of passage, outside the 12-nautical mile limit,” he added.

Further, he reported that details of military exercises with Japan are still to be determined considering the scheduling and the absorptive capacity given the availability of troops.

He also assured that Japanese troops will be on standby to help the Philippines in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) during calamities.

The panel, chaired by Senator Imee Marcos, expects the Philippines and Japan to undertake more in-depth practical military cooperation and exercises under the RAA.

She said the RAA would deepen defense cooperation between the Philippines and Japan, and therefore, enhance the interoperability between the AFP and the Japan Self-Defense Forces.

“The RAA gives recognition to the promotion of international order based on the rule of law given the shared interests of the Philippines and Japan to global and regional peace and stability,” Marcos pointed out

Defense cooperation and military exercises, according to Senator Marcos, aim to respond to the current security landscape, such as but not limited to: the enhancement of technical and cybersecurity needs, development of maritime domain awareness capabilities, expanding training and education exchanges, and the strengthening of HADR.

The RAA between the Philippines and Japan, signed in July this year, establishes a legal framework for joint military training, operations, and humanitarian missions to strengthen defense cooperation amid regional security challenges.

This marks Japan’s second RAA after the one with Australia, expanding its military diplomacy.

The Philippines has existing agreements like the Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States and the Status of Forces Agreement with Australia, aiming to enhance defense partnerships and facilitate cooperative military activities. (PNA)