The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) confirmed on the 13th that the Philippine Coast Guard's multi-role patrol vessel, the 'BRP Magbanua' (MRRV-9701), has arrived at Kagoshima Port in southern Kyushu and will join the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and JCG for their first maritime security search and rescue exercise in Japan on the 20th. This initiative aims to strengthen maritime law enforcement capabilities.

According to reports, the 'BRP Magbanua,' carrying around 100 crew members, set sail from Manila on the 6th and docked at Kagoshima on the 12th. Subsequently, on the 13th, it conducted small boat operations and boarding inspection training with the JCG's Kagoshima Coast Guard.

The upcoming exercise will advance to Kagoshima Bay on the 20th, simulating fire scenarios aboard naval vessels, promoting information sharing and rescue operations through trilateral cooperation. Although the US, Japan, and the Philippines previously conducted joint training in June 2023 in the waters west of Manila Bay, this will mark the first time the three nations conduct training in Japan's nearby waters. Crew members from the Philippines have recently visited the area, familiarizing themselves with local environments and facilities, paving the way for future regular exercises aimed at enhancing responses to maritime security threats.