The Philippine Navy welcomed two destroyers of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) which arrived in Manila on Tuesday for a three-day visit.

Captain Lued Lincuna, Philippine Navy public affairs director. said these were Escort Division Seven of the JMSDF, comprised of Murasame-class destroyer Yuudachi (DD 103) and Asagiri-class destroyer Yuugiri (DD 153)..

Lincuna said the JMSDF vessels were met by BRP Ramon Alcaraz in the vicinity of Corregidor Island and were escorted to their designated anchorage area.

“This meeting procedure is an internationally-observed naval tradition where the host ship meets the visiting ships and escorts them to their port of call,” he said.

The Japanese vessels were welcomed by Capt. Primitivo Decio, representing Vice Adniral Caesar Taccad, flag officer in command of the Philippine Navy .

“A port briefing related to security and health was conducted aboard one of the visiting vessels,” he said.

Lincuna said JMSDF delegates headed by Division Commander, Capt. Takashi Inoue, are set to render a courtesy call to Taccad.

He said a series of confidence building activities between the visiting navy and their Filipino counterparts will be done during the visit.

This includes a tour on board the Japanese ships and reciprocal receptions.

This is 4th time JMSDF vessels visited the country this year. Robina Asido