PH first ASEAN nation to get excess Japanese defense equipment

FILE: DISMISSING REPORTS ON TERRORISTS. Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (at rostrum), dismissed reports claiming that an estimated 100 Islamic State (ISIS)-inspired foreign terrorists are already in the country. Lorenzana made the comment on the sidelines of the blessing and turnover ceremony of UH-IH spare parts held at Clark Air Base in PampangDa on Tuesday (March 19, 2019). (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA — Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday said the Philippines is very lucky as it is the first country in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to receive excess Japanese defense equipment.

He made this statement during the turn-over and acceptance ceremony for the UH-IH “Huey” spare parts donated by the Japan Ministry of Defense, which was held at the Haribon Hangar in Clark Air Base, Pampanga.

During the event, Lorenzana expressed the country’s support to the recent amendment of the Japan Self Defence Force Act that would allow the Japanese government and its Ministry of Defense “the needed flexibility and allowance” for the Japanese military to play a “greater and increased role” in maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific Region.

“With such growing Japanese role for regional security, the Philippines is very fortunate to be (the) very first country in the ASEAN Group of Nations to receive Japanese excess defense equipment,” the DND chief said.

Moving forward, Lorenzana expressed hope that the increasing and growing defense alliance and close partnership between Manila and Tokyo would expand further in the years to come.

In line with this, Lorenzana said the Philippines is looking to acquire other excess defense equipment like radars and planes from Japan, which, he said, are still being discussed at this time.