DND condoles with family of Japanese trooper killed in road mishap

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): DND condoles with family of Japanese trooper killed in road mishap

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday expressed its condolences to the family and loved ones of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) enlisted personnel who died in a road mishap at the Clark-Subic Expressway.

"The Department of National Defense extends its condolences to the family and loved ones of Sgt. Maehara Suguru who died in a most unfortunate vehicular accident while he was in our country as a member of the JGSDF contingent which is observing 'Exercise Kamandag'," Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said.

"Kamandag", which started on Oct. 1 and will end on the Oct. 10, is a counter-terrorism joint military exercise between the Philippines and the US.

Suguru was aboard a vehicle on an administrative mission when it collided with a truck last Oct. 2.

He succumbed to severe head injuries on Sunday.

"The vehicle was driven by a Filipino civilian, while the other passenger was another Japanese soldier. Both were injured in the accident but have been released from hospital," Andolong said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1050291