INQToday: Marcos says harassment in WPS ‘worrisome’; Bianca Manalo breaks silence on leaked convo

Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:

Marcos says recent harassment in West PH Sea ‘worrisome’

The harassment that Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner experienced near Ayungin Shoal is “worrisome,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said.

But the President also recognized the incident as a “proud demonstration of Filipino courage.”

AFP asked to boost alliances, form new ones with foreign counterparts

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday asked the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to strengthen existing alliances and establish new partnerships with foreign counterparts.

Marcos made the statement after reiterating his administration’s commitment to support initiatives that will enhance the AFP’s  external defense capabilities.

Teodoro says ‘very likely’ PH to do more joint patrols in West PH Sea

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said Thursday that it is “very likely” that the Philippines will conduct more West Philippine Sea patrols with other countries.

According to Teodoro, among countries that expressed desire to conduct joint West Philippine Sea patrols with the Philippines are France, India, Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.

Bianca Manalo breaks silence on leaked convo with Rob Gomez

Bianca Manalo broke her silence about her leaked conversation with co-star Rob Gomez, saying that some parts of their exchange were deleted to “create malicious insinuations.”

Gomez, Manalo, and another beauty queen, Herlene Budol are mired in controversy following the leak of the actor’s conversations with his “Magandang Dilag” co-stars, and another woman on Wednesday, Dec. 20. The screenshots of Gomez’s messages implied a sexual relationship.