Manila, March 8 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. departed for New York on Sunday to participate in engagements at the United Nations (UN), where he is expected to raise concerns over the escalating crisis in the Middle East and rally broader support for the Philippines' bid for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council (UNSC).

The plane carrying Marcos and his delegation took off from Manila at 10:22 a.m., according to Malacanang.

Joining the President on the trip are First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr., and Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez.

Marcos is scheduled to attend engagement...