MANILA — Armored fighting vehicles of the Philippine Army (Philippine Army) and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (Japan Ground Self-Defense Force) conducted their first combined live-fire exercise over the weekend in Capas, Tarlac.

In a statement, Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the exercise formed part of the “Salaknib” drills held at Col. Ernesto Rabina Air Base in Santa Juliana.

The “Salaknib” exercise, which means “shield” in Ilocano, began in 2015 with the United States Army Pacific. Japan’s participation this year marks its first involvement in the annual drills.

Dema-ala said more than 200 Filipino troops from the 1st Tank Battalion took part, using four Sabrah light tanks, while the JGSDF deployed 40 personnel from the 12th Brigade Recon Combat Battalion along with four maneuver combat vehicles.

“The live-fire exercise followed a tactical scenario that included locating the enemy, fixing their positions and ultimately destroying the target,” Dema-ala said.

He added that participating forces also rehearsed safety protocols, including procedures for misfires and weapon malfunctions to ensure operational safety and mission continuity.

The exercise was witnessed by officials from both countries, including PA Vice Commander Maj. Gen. Efren Morados, Armor Division chief Brig. Gen. Ronel Manalo, JGSDF 12th Brigade deputy commander Col. Yoshifumi Ogura, Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces Executive Director Undersecretary Antonio Habulan, and US Army Pacific commander Maj. Gen. James Bartholomees.

Officials said this year’s “Salaknib” drills support the Philippine Army’s transition toward external security operations through combined exercises with allied and partner forces.

The live-fire activity also marks the first such drill between the Philippines and Japan following the signing of the Reciprocal Access Agreement in 2024, which took effect in September 2025.