The Philippines sent five contingents to observe exercise Yama Sakura 91 for the first time, an Army officer said Tuesday.

In a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Lt. Col. Jose Regonay Jr. of the Philippine Army (PA) said they observed the nine-day exercises held at Camp Asaka in Tokyo from September 2.

"We were invited last year, but this is the first time we sent our contingent to observe," he said.

"Yama Sakura 91 is an annual multilateral command post exercise hosted by Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) and conducted on multiple occasions throughout Japan," he added.

This year's Yama Sakura 91 was participated by 700 US personnel, 5,200 members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and 280 Australian Army personnel.

Other countries involved include Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Republic of Korea and Thailand.

Unlike field exercises centered on maneuver, the US Army Pacific said "Yama Sakura focuses on decision-making, command and control, and staff integration."

"The exercise strengthens multinational coordination by aligning procedures, systems and planning processes among participating forces," it stated.

"Yama Sakura links headquarters from the theater to division level, requiring commanders and staff to coordinate capabilities and synchronize operations across multiple echelons," it added. Robina Asido/PHS