The Philippines and Japan signed on Thursday three key security and development deals, including the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) that would allow mutual logistics support between their two forces.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu led the signing in a ceremony following their bilateral meeting.

Lazaro said the agreement would ultimately enhance the two countries’ “mutual military interoperability and readiness,” complementary to the recently ratified Reciprocal Access Agreement.

Motegi, meanwhile, said the deal would further expand the growing bilateral security cooperation between the two states.

The ACSA provides a logistical backbone for the execution of joint military training, operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and other collaborative activities between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Japan Self-Defense Forces.

It is expected to facilitate the exchange of logistical support, such as fuel, food, transportation, medical services, and spare parts between the two forces.

OSA, Mindanao connectivity

Also signed were Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) for fiscal year 2025 and grant aid to boost connectivity in the Sulu Archipelago.

Japan will help the Philippines construct boathouses and slipways for rigid-hull inflatable boats, its first infrastructure project under the 900-million-Japanese-yen OSA program, Motegi said.

The new assistance, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs, will boost the country’s capacity to secure the Philippine territory and deter threats that compromise peace and stability in the region.

Under the same OSA program, Japan has provided 600 million yen for the provision of coastal radar systems, which officially arrived in the Philippines on Jan. 14.

“It is believed that such enforcement of bilateral security cooperation will also contribute to the peace and stability of the region,” Motegi said.

The 1.63-billion-yen Mindanao grant aid, meanwhile, will help connect 40 government network sites and free public internet access points across Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi (BASULTA), and is expected to benefit more than 250,000 transacting individuals.

Japan, Motegi said, is also providing wireless communication equipment to the country as part of its continuing effort to support peace and development in Mindanao. (PNA)