Filipino and Japanese disaster response teams conducted a water search and rescue activity (WASAR) earlier last week, an Army official reported.
Army Spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala on Saturday said, its premier disaster response unit, the 525th Combat Engineer “Forerunner” Battalion (525CEBn) and their Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) counterparts participated joint training activity at the 525CEBn training area in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
According to Dema-ala, both teams utilized the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) equipment such as rubber boats donated by the Japanese government in 2021.
The activity simulated a drowning scene activity where a drowning victim rescued by Army personnel.
The said training and meeting activity is part of the four-year Japan-Philippines HADR Cooperation Project Framework that aims to enhance both forces’ capability to effectively respond to various types of disasters such as volcanic eruption, tsunami, earthquake and flood.
