Manila, Dec. 17 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) to remain vigilant against possible terror threats, as he rejected foreign media's "misleading" characterization of the Philippines as an "ISIS training hotspot," Malacanang said Wednesday.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reminded the foreign media to be "discerning and responsible" in their reporting, particularly in how they depict the Philippines, stressing that branding the country as a terror hub could harm its integrity and image.

"Of course, the President strongly rejects the sweeping statement and the misleading characterization of the Philippines as the ISIS training hotspot," Castro said in a Palace press briefing, when asked ...