Philippine and Japanese air force personnel participating in the ongoing “Doshin-Bayanihan 05-25” on Thursday conducted a “low-cost, low-altitude” (LCLA) air drop exercise over Tacloban City.

During the activity, dummy training cargo loads were released to demonstrate precision airdrop techniques, interoperability, and rapid response capabilities in simulated disaster relief scenarios, Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco said Friday.

“The exercise strengthened both air forces’ ability to coordinate effectively during humanitarian missions and respond swiftly in times of crisis,” Basco said in a statement.

C-130 transport planes from PAF and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) were deployed for the exercise, Basco added.

This year’s “Doshin-Bayanihan” drills are scheduled from Oct. 7 to 11.

Meanwhile, aside from the LCLA, Basco said the participating air forces also transported over 800 boxes of drinking water from Tacloban City to Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu in support of the ongoing humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations for earthquake-hit communities in Central Visayas.

“This act of cooperation underscores the shared commitment of the Philippines and Japan to deliver life-saving aid and enhance regional disaster response readiness,” she said. (PNA)