Phl, Japan reaffirm defense ties
Kitagawa stressed that Japan and the Philippines share mutual goals of securing peace, stability and development for their citizens.
Philippine and defense officials gathered at the Japanese ambassador’s residence last 14 October 2026, to celebrate the 72nd Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) Day Reception, highlighting deepening bilateral security ties between Tokyo and Manila.
The event drew prominent figures, including members of the diplomatic corps, defense attachés, lawmakers, and representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
National Security Adviser Eduardo S.L. Oban Jr. described the growing defense and security cooperation between the two nations as a cornerstone of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
He stressed the shared commitment to addressing regional stability, ensuring supply chain resilience, and upholding maritime order through coordination among like-minded allies.
Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of bilateral collaboration rooted in international law and the United Nations Charter.
Teodoro cited that both countries are actively strengthening regional deterrence by utilizing diverse frameworks to advance defense interoperability.
In his remarks, Japanese Ambassador Kitagawa Katsuro reflected on the 72-year evolution of the JSDF, noting its adaptation to changing global demands while maintaining Japan’s constitutional commitment to peace.
Over the past decade, Kitagawa said, the self-defense forces have evolved into a highly capable and trusted institution equipped to address both domestic and international security needs.
The ambassador also pointed to Tokyo’s broader foreign policy objectives aimed at fostering a resilient and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, supported by the revised Defense Equipment Transfer Policy and the updated “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” framework.
Kitagawa stressed that Japan and the Philippines share mutual goals of securing peace, stability, and development for their citizens. He expressed solidarity with partners working to preserve a rules-based maritime order and extended his gratitude to regional allies.
The reception featured a video message from Japanese Minister of Defense Koizumi Shinjiro, alongside exhibits showcasing defense equipment.