“EMERGING threats” in the Indo-Pacific area took center stage in discussions by military officials from various countries in the region who attended the International Airborne Commanders Conference (IACC) in Japan, according to the Philippine Army (PA).
The PA delegation, headed by vice commander Maj. Gen. Leodevic Guinid and Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) chief Brig. Gen. Rosendo Abad Jr., joined delegates from allied countries to discuss "strategic plans and exchange relevant information," the PA said in a statement.
Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala said the IACC was held at the 1st Airborne Brigade, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) in Camp Narashino at Chiba Prefecture, Japan on Jan. 10.
“The conference also served as avenue for initiating talks on establishing more and enhanced comprehensive cooperation and military-to-military agreements between the Indo-Pacific nations,” Dema-ala said.
The 1st Airborne Brigade, JGSDF also simultaneously held the International Airborne Chief Sergeants major conference and facilitated the exchange of information regarding human resource development, leader-subordinate relations, and non-commissioned officers' empowerment and training.
Dema-ala said the meeting were part of the significant activities in the New Year Jump in Indo-Pacific 2025 and served as the opportunity to foster collaborations among the participating nations.
Elite PA troopers demonstrated their free fall and airborne skills during the exercise, their first time to take part in the annual event.
Following the meeting, airborne jump demonstrations and technical exchanges were held Jan. 12.