(UPDATE) TOKYO extended to Manila a second Official Security Assistance (OSA) amounting to 1.6 billion yen, or about P611 million, to further support the Philippines’ efforts to deter external threats and contribute to peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
The assistance will cover the provision of coastal radar systems, automatic rigid hull inflatable boats, and other equipment.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Philippines “is one of the first recipients of Japan’s OSA, launched in 2023.”
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya on Thursday signed and exchanged the diplomatic notes on Japan’s assistance to the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. witnessed the event.
The assistance further solidifies the strong and growing collaboration between the Philippines and Japan in promoting peace, stability and cooperation, bilaterally and regionally, Manalo said.
Endo, writing on the social media platform X, said, “Our commitment to peace and stability in the region with the Philippines further deepens with the second Official Security Assistance project.”
“By enhancing the capabilities of Philippine Armed Forces, we are promoting our shared goal of a peaceful and prosperous future,” Endo added.
The DFA said the OSA will support DND and AFP’s efforts in “securing the Philippines and improving the country’s capabilities to deter threats to peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.”
The Embassy of Japan in Manila, in a statement, said the Philippines “faces important sea lanes, including the South China Sea and the Luzon Strait, and plays an important role in regional security.”
“This project provides assistance to the Philippine Navy (PN) to strengthen maritime security capabilities and to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to help improve monitoring and surveillance capabilities,” the embassy said.
It also said that rigid-hulled inflatable boat, coastal radar systems, and other equipment will be provided to the PN to improve its maritime domain awareness capabilities.
“The project is expected to contribute to maintaining and strengthening the regional security and to enhance the security of the vital sea lanes and will be of significance to Japan’s security,” the embassy said.
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