In a display of skill and international cooperation, elite members of the Philippine Army (PA) participated in the New Year Jump in Indo-Pacific 2025, held at Camp Narashino in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. This marked the first time the PA joined the annual event, showcasing their military free fall and airborne capabilities on January 12, 2025.
Led by Maj. Gen. Leodevic Guinid, the vice commander of the Army Airborne delegation, and Brig. Gen. Rosendo Abad Jr., the commander of the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), the Philippine troops demonstrated their readiness for airborne operations. Their participation underscored the PA’s commitment to supporting territorial defense through special operations.
Following the jump, a simulated air assault exercise took place, involving units from multiple nations including the US Army, US Marine Corps, US Air Force, and armies from Singapore, Australia, the Netherlands, France, Canada, the UK, Poland, Italy, Germany, and Japan’s 1st Airborne Brigade. This simulation highlighted the collaborative efforts and capabilities of Indo-Pacific nations in tackling regional threats.
The New Year Jump, which began in 1974, serves not only as a prayer for the safety of airborne jumps throughout the year but also as a platform to foster trust and strengthen cooperation among the participating Airborne Forces. According to PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala, the event also aims to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region through strategic messaging.