(UPDATE) PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday told the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to be 'ready to defend the archipelago from emerging threats,' following the United States' 'ironclad' commitment to defend the Philippines against China's aggressive actions.

Speaking after the oathtaking of the newly promoted AFP officers in Malacañang, the President urged the military 'to enhance joint planning and operations to ensure interoperability across all AFP units and platforms' as they respond to emerging national security and defense realities in the country and within the region.