Philippines to Vigorously Defend Territory, President Says

Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. looks on as he meets with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, at Malacanang Palace in Manila, Philippines, March 19, 2024. (Reuters)
Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. looks on as he meets with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, at Malacanang Palace in Manila, Philippines, March 19, 2024. (Reuters)
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Philippines to Vigorously Defend Territory, President Says

Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. looks on as he meets with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, at Malacanang Palace in Manila, Philippines, March 19, 2024. (Reuters)
Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. looks on as he meets with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, at Malacanang Palace in Manila, Philippines, March 19, 2024. (Reuters)

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Saturday the country will "vigorously defend what is ours", in a thinly veiled reference to mounting tensions with China over maritime disputes.

The conduct against intruders disrespecting Philippine territorial integrity will be guided by law and the responsibility as a rules-abiding member of the international community, Marcos said in a speech to graduating military cadets.

"Against intruders who have been disrespecting our territorial integrity, we will vigorously defend what is ours," Marcos said.

He did not identify the intruders, but Manila and Beijing have been in escalating standoffs in the South China Sea, including China's use of water cannon that resulted in injuries and property damage, a military-grade laser directed at Philippine vessels and what the Philippines calls "dangerous maneuvers" in the disputed waterway.

China claims almost all the South China Sea, a conduit for $3 trillion in annual ship-borne trade, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam. A 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration found that China's sweeping claims have no legal basis.



Israeli PM Netanyahu Leaves Hospital after Prostate Surgery

 03 March 2020, Israel, Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister and Chairman of the Likud Party, Benjamin Netanyahu, makes an address. (dpa)
03 March 2020, Israel, Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister and Chairman of the Likud Party, Benjamin Netanyahu, makes an address. (dpa)
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Israeli PM Netanyahu Leaves Hospital after Prostate Surgery

 03 March 2020, Israel, Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister and Chairman of the Likud Party, Benjamin Netanyahu, makes an address. (dpa)
03 March 2020, Israel, Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister and Chairman of the Likud Party, Benjamin Netanyahu, makes an address. (dpa)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was released from hospital on Thursday after his prostate surgery ended "successfully,", his office reported on X.

"I have just left Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital," he said on X. The hospital is in Jerusalem.

His office said Netanyahu, 75, was in a good condition and fully conscious after the conclusion of his prostate surgery.