Manila, Jan. 26 -- Malacanang on Monday said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. fully supports Philippine officials defending the country's rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), as China steps up public criticism of Filipino figures who are vocal against Beijing's illegal activities.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President has given clear instructions to government agencies to assert Philippine interests and sovereignty, adding that Marcos will not yield any part of the country's territory.

"Ang Pangulo po ang nagsabi na hindi niya isu-surrender even an inch of our territory (The President himself has said that he will not surrender even a square inch of our territory)," Castro said in a press briefing in Malacanang.

"A...