Members of the Philippine and Japan Coast Guards on Wednesday held in Manila Bay their own version of the US-PHL "Balikatan" exercises.
The naval war game centered on maneuvers in the event of a sea attack by terrorist groups.
Wednesday's exercise involved a scenario where a Manila-bound cargo vessel was attacked by six armed terrorists.
Participants tried to demonstrate skills in communication, reconnaissance, and response capabilities to rescue the vessel under attack.
Also, the exercise featured actual combat scenario and deployment of naval vessels in a maneuver to bring the ship under attack to safety.
Involved in the 3-day Joint Maritime Law Enforcement Exercise were Japan's Coast Guard Ship PLH 22 Yashima and the Philippines' BRP Nueva Vizcaya.
Participants to the exercise claimed that Wednesday's war game was unique because, for the first time, Coast Guard commanders from neighboring countries were there to observe.
On the other hand, Philippine and Japan Coast Guard authorities stressed the need for cooperation among Asian countries in combating piracy in the high seas, firearms and illegal drugs smuggling, and trafficking in humans.
They clarified that the exercise had nothing to do with the maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
The joint naval exercise started during the culmination of the meeting of the heads of Asian Coast Guard agencies held in Manila from May 4 to May 6.
Participating countries include Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam Malaysia, and Australia.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/482694/news/nation/phl-japan-coast-guards-hold-joint-exercise-in-manila-bay-vs-terror-attack
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