The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) confirmed on the 13th that the Philippine Coast Guard's multi-role patrol vessel, the 'Magbanuwa' (MRRV-9701), has arrived at Kagoshima Port and will conduct its first maritime security search and rescue exercise in Japan on the 20th, in collaboration with the US Coast Guard (USCG) and JCG to enhance maritime law enforcement capabilities.

According to reports from 'South Japan News' and 'TBS NEWS DIG', the 'Magbanuwa', with about 100 crew members, set sail from Manila Port in the Philippines on the 6th and arrived at Kagoshima Port on the 12th, immediately conducting small boat operations and boarding inspections with the Kagoshima Coast Guard. Subsequently, on the 20th, the ship will move into Kagoshima Bay and simulate a maritime vessel fire scenario, sharing intelligence and conducting search and rescue operations through trilateral cooperation to improve operational interoperability.

Although the trilateral maritime patrol vessels previously conducted joint training in the western waters of Manila Bay in June 2023, this marks the first training conducted off Japan's coast. Additionally, Philippine crew members have familiarized themselves with the local environment and facilities through onshore visits. Moving forward, similar exercises are expected to continue, aiming to institutionalize large-scale drills and enhance responses to low-intensity and gray zone maritime security threats.