Ranking Japanese defense official visits PHL

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): Ranking Japanese defense official visits PHL

A ranking Japanese defense official made a two-day visit starting at the Philippine Army (PA) headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City and ended Tuesday in Quezon City.

Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato, PA spokesperson, said Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) chief-of-staff Gen. Kiyofumi Iwata made his visit in Fort Bonifacio on Sept. 8 where he was welcomed by PA chief Lt. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri.

Iwata was accorded with military honors upon his arrival.

Discussed during the two-day visit were measures on how to further improve the existing relationship between the Japan Army and PA, with the end goal of strengthening the defense cooperation between Japan and Philippines, Detoyato said.

Iwata also visited the PA's Special Operations Command in Fort Magsaysay, in Nueva Ecija and witnessed the capability demonstration of one of the Army's elite forces, the Light Reaction Regiment.

The PA's elite forces also showcased their capabilities, particularly in terms of equipment and armaments.

The two-day official visit of Iwata and other members of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force concluded Tuesday with a visit at the 51st Engineer Brigade Headquarters in Camp General Atienza in Libis, Quezon City.

During the visit, members of the 51st Engineer Brigade conducted a humanitarian assistance and disaster response capability demonstration.

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