PAF, JASDF start disaster response drills in Cebu

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) have commenced disaster response drills named "Doshin-Bayanihan 2024" in Cebu, aiming to bolster humanitarian assistance and disaster response capabilities.

The bilateral training exercise, which began on Thursday and will conclude on Sunday, is being held at the Brig. Gen. Benito N. Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

Key activities during the drills include simulated airdrop flight training, load/offload operations, aeromedical evacuation exercises, and expert exchanges.

Colonel Reynaldo Jose Montoya, the exercise director, urged participants to maximize the opportunity for knowledge, skills, and cultural exchange to strengthen the capabilities and camaraderie between the two air forces.

Prior to the opening ceremony, a JASDF delegation paid a courtesy call to the head of the Air Mobility Command, Major General Joannis Leonardi Dimaano.