MANILA, Philippines — Foreign Secretary Enrique A. Manalo and Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya on Thursday signed and exchanged diplomatic notes for the 2024 Official Security Assistance (OSA) to enhance the country’s security.

The assistance from Japan will be given to the Department of National Defense and Armed Forces (DND-AFP) amid growing threats in the West Philippine Sea. 

The ceremony took place at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila.

According to the DFA, the OSA, totaling JPY 1.6 billion (over P616.6 million), includes the provision of coastal radar systems, automatic rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs), and other equipment to bolster the DND and AFP’s capabilities in safeguarding the Philippines. 

This marks the second OSA granted by Japan to the Philippines since the program’s inception in 2023.

The assistance is aimed at enhancing the country’s efforts to counter threats and maintain peace, stability, and security within the Indo-Pacific region, the DFA said.

Manalo said that the latest assistance shows the growing strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to maritime security and regional peace. 

“The above assistance reflects the two countries’ shared commitment to maritime stability and regional peace. It is the second OSA of Japan for the Philippines,” he said.