Manila, Feb. 23 -- Highlighting the growing military ties between the Philippines and Japan, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. toured Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani around Filipino bases and facilities in Luzon Sunday.

"Minister Nakatani was given a briefing on and [a] guided tour of the operational capabilities and ongoing defense initiatives at Basa Air Base (in Floridablanca, Pampanga)," DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.

No other details were given for security reasons.

After the tour at Basa Air Base, Teodoro and Nakatani proceeded to the Wallace Air Station in San Fernando, La Union.

"The visit also included a tour of the Air Defense Simulation and...