Manila, Oct. 24 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is pushing for stronger defense to protect Philippine territory, particularly in the face of rising regional tensions, Malacanang said on Friday.

This was after Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Thursday that Marcos has issued a directive to reshape the country's defense ecosystem, as the Philippines currently sits at the "spearhead of threats to the international order," citing China's illegal actions in the West Philippine Sea.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reaffirmed Marcos' commitment to protecting and upholding the country's sovereignty.

"Sinabi ng Pangulo na (The President said) we will not surrender a square inch of our territory. So, hindi tayo titiklop sa ating...