The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer JS OONAMI arrived in Manila for a port visit ahead of joint military drills. The visit highlights deepening defense ties between Japan and the Philippines amid growing regional security cooperation.
During the stop, OONAMI’s Commanding Officer, Commander IIO Hiromasa, made courtesy visits to the Philippine Navy Headquarters and the Embassy of Japan in Manila.
After several days docked at the Port of Manila, JS OONAMI joined the multilateral naval exercise “SAMA-SAMA 2025” from October 13 to 14. Co-hosted by the Philippine Navy and the U.S. Navy, the annual drill aims to strengthen regional maritime cooperation. “Sama-sama,” meaning “together” in Tagalog, reflects the spirit of joint operations.
Japan has participated in SAMA-SAMA since 2019 and continues to promote defense partnerships under its vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, according to JMSDF.
