Philippines, Japan defense chiefs inspect Luzon facilities

On Sunday, Feb. 23, top defense officials from the Philippines and Japan inspected military facilities in Luzon as part of efforts to strengthen their security partnership.

Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. hosted Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani at Basa Air Base and Wallace Air Station, where they toured various training centers, radar installations, and command hubs.

The visit included a review of the Philippines' maritime domain awareness capabilities and discussions on conducting more joint exercises to enhance security against potential threats.

Teodoro praised Japan's growing defense relationship with the Philippines during a Monday meeting at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, emphasizing the need for stronger alliances like the Quad to counter challenges posed by countries such as China.

Both officials are looking forward to further enhancing their partnership based on shared values of a rules-based international order and a free and open Indo-Pacific region.