FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – The 525th Combat Engineer “Forerunner” Battalion (525CEBn) — the Philippine Army’s premier disaster response unit — showcased its earthquake response capabilities in a demonstration before the visiting Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) delegation at the 525CEBn training area in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on September 3, 2024.
Amid the inclement weather, the Forerunner team utilized several HADR equipment donated by the Japanese government in 2021 during the rescue drill that focused on earthquake response. The demo is part of the four-year Japan-Philippines HADR Cooperation Project Framework that aims to enhance both forces’ capability to effectively respond to various types of disasters such as volcanic eruption, tsunami, earthquake and flood.
PA and JGSDF teams are also scheduled to conduct HADR practical exercises in Legazpi City, Albay on September 5. (PR)
