Independence Day Diplomacy: President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão received congratulatory messages for Timor-Leste’s 24th Restoration of Independence anniversary, including from Sahrawi leader Brahim Ghali and the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as the country marked National Day. Regional Defence Ties: Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles is in Dili to represent Canberra at the anniversary events and to discuss deepening defence and security cooperation as Timor-Leste strengthens its ASEAN role. Ongoing Ocean Focus: A global Ocean Census report says scientists identified 1,121 previously unknown marine species in a year, underscoring how much remains to be discovered in the region’s waters. Local Public Safety (Elsewhere): Cebu and Mandaue coverage highlights health and order issues—Metro Cebu air quality flagged “unhealthy,” while Mandaue returned to a five-day workweek and moved to crack down on spray-paint vandalism.