ASEAN Diplomacy: Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta urged Asia-Pacific countries to back a “zone of peace” for the South China Sea, arguing sustained security can’t be built through fear and coercion. Myanmar Peace Proposal: At the Shangri-La Dialogue, he floated a plan to guide Myanmar’s warring sides “under a tent” with a retired four-star Southeast Asian general, to enable humanitarian access. ASEAN-Regional Ties: Ramos-Horta also met Vietnam’s President Tô Lâm in Singapore, with both sides stressing deeper cooperation after Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership. Regional Security Forum: Vietnam’s To Lam said solutions to global crises should come from the Asia-Pacific, where US-China rivalry and trust issues are intensifying. Local Governance & Services: In Cebu, officials discussed mental health support for abuse survivors via a new “Balay ni Neneng” shelter, while Cebu City moved to verify street-vendor complaints after a mayor’s confrontation video. Health Watch: Central Visayas reported rising dengue cases and deaths as extreme heat increases risks.