Philippines, Japanese army chiefs meet

MANILA, Philippines — Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) chief Gen. Koji Yamazaki visited Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio yesterday and paid a courtesy call on Army commander Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto.

The Army said the visit seeks to reinforce the strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan.

The Philippines and Japan signed the Memorandum on Defense Cooperation and Exchanges in January 2015 to provide a framework for defense cooperation between the two defense ministries and their respective armed forces.

On June 8, 2015, the Army-JGSDF Terms of Reference were signed, strengthening the friendly relations and cooperation while promoting open discussion of subjects of mutual interest for both armies.

As a result, a joint working group was established as a platform for both armies to plan or develop bilateral engagements that will enhance capabilities, interoperability and promote discussions of topics which are of mutual interest or mutually beneficial.

“My visit implies that my country recognizes the Philippines as a significant strategic partner in East Asia. I’m very honored to be here to strengthen our bilateral relations,” Yamazaki said.

“The Philippine Army is optimistic that the visit will boost bilateral cooperation between the two countries,” Alberto said in response.

Rifles from US

Meanwhile, the Army has 80 new assault rifles given by the US government as military aid to help in various operations.

The Army had also purchased 44 mortar rounds from the US under the Foreign Military Sales Program.

Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the rifles and mortar rounds were officially delivered to and received at Fort Bonifacio last Sunday. 

He said the 80 assault rifles are a grant from the US government to the Philippine Army under the Military Assistance Program. 

Zagala said assault rifles are the primary direct fire weapons used by infantry troops participating in armed battles against the enemy, while mortars are indirect fire weapons mainly used to support the infantry.

Army officials have expressed gratitude to the US government for giving the assault rifles that will improve the capabilities of frontline troops.

Zagala said the purchase of mortars through the Army modernization fund upgrades the Army’s weapons systems and capabilities to better perform its mission to secure the land.