HEADLINES: China carries out 'combat patrol' | August 8, 2024

Good day. Here are the stories for The Manila Times for Tuesday, August 8, 2024.

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READ: China carries out 'combat patrol'

THE Philippines launched on Wednesday two days of joint sea and air exercises with the United States, Canada and Australia, a joint statement said, as China carried out a combat patrol to test its «strike capabilities» near Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in the South China Sea. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Affairs Office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the four-nation maneuvers that would last until Thursday would demonstrate regional strength and international cooperation inside the Philippine exclusive economic zone. The sail would also emphasize the lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, as well as respect for maritime rights under international law, as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), Trinidad said.

READ: Duterte blasts govt for 'bowing to ICC'

VICE President Sara Duterte on Wednesday blasted the Marcos administration for «acting as a lackey» for foreign powers, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is investigating her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, for crimes against humanity over the thousands of people killed in his bloody war on drugs. In a statement on Wednesday, Duterte thanked the different Muslim tribes of Davao City such as the Iranun, Kagan, Maguindanao, Maranao, Sama and Tausug for voicing out their support to her and offering their services to protect her family. However, she said what is important right now is not her security but the «safety of the country.» She said the Philippines should have been led by persons who have genuine concern and the ability to promote clean governance and the country's prosperity, speaking out against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who was her running mate in 2022.

READ: Ex-PDEA agent found guilty of perjury

THE former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agent who alleged he had a list of prominent drug users — supposedly including