CAPAS, Tarlac (May 2, 2026) — In a powerful display of how historical animosity can transform into strategic synergy, the Philippine Army’s Armor “Pambato” Division and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) conducted their first-ever combined live-fire exercise at the Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base (CERAB) in Barangay Santa Juliana, Capas.
The very plains of Tarlac, which once witnessed the struggles of World War II, served as the backdrop for this milestone in bilateral relations, underscored by the recent ratification of the Reciprocal Access Agreement by the Philippines and Japan. This agreement paved the way for the JGSDF’s active participation as a defense unit, evolving the Salaknib 2026 Phase 1 exercise. Salaknib means “defense” in the Ilocano dialect.
The exercise showcased a seamless integration of modern armored hardware from both nations, featuring four Sabrah Light Tanks from the Philippine Army’s 1st Tank Battalion and four Maneuver Combat Vehicles from the JGSDF’s Reconnaissance Combat Battalion, 12th Brigade.
More than 200 Filipino troops and approximately 40 Japanese personnel engaged in a tactical scenario at Range 3 of CERAB, focused on locating and destroying enemy targets with precision.
Both forces exchanged advanced tactics and procedures in armored warfare, bridging decades of history through shared technical expertise.
Philippine Army Vice Commander Major General Efren Morados and Armor Division Commander Brigadier General Ronel Manalo witnessed the drills alongside JGSDF Colonel Yoshifumi Ogura.
Manalo emphasized that the activity supports the Philippine Army’s ongoing transition toward External Defense Operations. He noted that the collaboration not only showcases armored capabilities but also strengthens the shared commitment to regional peace and stability.
“The Armor SMEE (Subject Matter Expert Exchange) and Live-Fire Exercise boosted tactical interoperability and supported the Army’s transition toward External Defense Operations (ESO). This collaboration not only showcases our armored capabilities but also strengthens our interoperability and shared commitment to regional peace and stability. Together, we continue to advance toward a modern and capable defense force,” Manalo said.
The Philippine Army Training Command’s Major General Michael Logico highlighted the deep level of coordination achieved between the former adversaries.
“Matagal na pinaghandaan ito. We conducted a Combined Training Exercise in February and March. Yung mga crew na nakikita ninyo diyan sa Sabrah tanks natin, praktisadong-praktisado sila. Nakita ninyo sa performance ngayon — may coordinated fire, interlocking fire between the two countries.”
Logico further emphasized that the objective was to achieve true interoperability between the two armies, ensuring that their respective weapon systems and targeting accuracy were fully synchronized.
Also present in the activity were Juden Dela Cruz, representative of Undersecretary Antonio Habulan, Executive Director of the Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces, and Major General James Bartholomees, Commander of the 25ID of the United States Army Pacific based in Hawaii.
