The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) have launched a multinational planning exercise named Tempest Express 41-2026 in Pasay City, which is set to run from June 3 to June 11, 2026. This exercise aims to bolster coordination for disaster response among 17 Indo-Pacific nations and includes participation from 31 members of the Multinational Planning Augmentation Team (MPAT), alongside various humanitarian organizations and civilian agencies. According to AFP Public Affairs Office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad, the initiative is focused on enhancing interoperability and coordination among the countries involved in humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations. The exercise is conducted under the MPAT framework, which emphasizes developing joint planning processes for large-scale emergencies, particularly natural disasters. USINDOPACOM, headquartered in Hawaii, collaborates with regional partners on security cooperation and humanitarian initiatives across the Indo-Pacific region. The AFP's involvement in this exercise underscores its role within the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, particularly in leading search, rescue, and retrieval operations during major emergencies.