Police are looking into at least two suspects they believe were behind the blast that killed at least four people during a service at a university gymnasium in Marawi, which Islamic State militants claimed.

While military officers hope the move will bring ‘lasting peace’, Duterte supporters describe Marcos Jnr’s surprise bid to resume talks as ‘stupid’ and ‘unpatriotic’.

A mini code of conduct with Vietnam, Malaysia and other claimant states would accomplish little, analysts say – aside from likely scuppering decades-long talks on a broader agreement if Beijing feels it’s being ‘ganged up’ on.

President Marcos Jnr said Manila’s return to the court was under study but questions over jurisdiction and sovereignty were still ‘problems’ for the country.

A view of Beijing as coercive and aggressive has the potential to diminish its influence and push countries towards the West if it does not soften, analysts say.

The former Philippine president said he would be forced to come out of retirement and run to become a senator or seek the nation’s second-highest post if Sara Duterte-Carpio is ousted.

The patrols are likely to irk China, which has warned the Philippines against activities with the US that it says could stoke regional tensions.

Aman Youyi-2023 exercises held in Guangdong province aim to further deepen ‘mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation’, according to Chinese state media.

Citing slow progress on a broader regional pact with China, President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr said the Philippines had approached neighbours including Malaysia and Vietnam to discuss a separate code of conduct.

A top general has warned of ‘destabilisation efforts’ instigated by former officers against President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr.

US Congress approval is needed for the pact, which will allow a peaceful transfer of nuclear material, equipment and information.

The Philippines is aiming to accelerate military upgrading to meet external threats such as from China but it has been facing delays and underfunding.

Revised rules empower President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr to accept or reject nominees for top officials of the firm managing the Maharlika Investment Fund.

Manila accuses China’s coastguard of firing a water cannon ‘in an illegal though unsuccessful attempt’ to force Philippine ships to alter course.

The former president of the Philippines said he had met some retired generals but plotting a coup was never discussed ‘as there is no serious issue of corruption’.

Journalist Juan Jumalon, also known as DJ Johnny Walker, was shot by unidentified assailants while broadcasting from his home.

Filipinos have been warned against investing in schemes claiming to be linked to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s proposed state fund.

The Philippines and Japan have taken a strong line against what they see as aggressive behaviour by Chinese vessels amid decades-old disputes over maritime sovereignty.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s coming trip to the Philippines and Malaysia is seen as a significant step towards achieving Tokyo’s goals to enhance regional ties amid China’s rising clout.

The Philippines has questioned China’s sincerity in easing tensions in the South China Sea after the latest collision involving the Chinese coastguard and a Philippine vessel.

The Philippine president’s remarks come amid growing debate over whether Manila should invoke a US-backed defence pact to protect its territory in the disputed waterway.

Marcos Jnr’s clarification came after a memorandum showed the president had suspended the implementation of the law ‘pending further study’.

The factors cited for suspension of the US8.81 billion fund were the same reasons critics cited when they opposed it – that it had no “transparency and accountability” safeguards.

February 25 was made a holiday in 2000 by then-president Joseph Estrada. Rights activists typically hold rallies that day to commemorate the return of democracy.

Philippine politicians are questioning whether President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr and Vice-President Sara Duterte are united on Manila’s approach towards China.

Manila’s National Security Council declares successful delivery of provisions to its forces at the Second Thomas Shoal.

Senior defence official Asia Lindsey Ford commended Manila’s action and reaffirmed Washington’s security commitments to its ally.