Japan will deploy approximately 1,000 combat troops to the Philippines

Japan will send "combat troops" to join the 2026 Balikatan exercises in the Philippines, marking the first time since 1945 that Japanese troops will be on Philippine soil. This deployment highlights the strengthening security cooperation between the two nations after a historically contentious relationship. AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. noted that Japan's past participation was limited to humanitarian assistance, while Ambassador Endo Kazuya described the expanded involvement as "very natural" amid increased bilateral security efforts.

Additionally, Brawner clarified that non-combatant evacuation operations (NEO) by the AFP are not aimed at any specific threats. For now, repatriating overseas Filipino workers from the Middle East will be done via commercial airlines for cost efficiency.