#ThewRap: Things you need to know, March 22, 2017

Hello Rappler readers,

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is still in Thailand for an official visit. There, he spoke about the Code of Conduct framework for the South China Sea as well as areas of cooperation between the Philippines and Thailand.

Britain, meanwhile, followed the US in imposing a laptop and tablet ban in plane cabins for flights from certain countries. The move is aimed at fighting terrorism.

Pope Francis also has advice for the youth on how to handle social media.

Below are the big stories you shouldn’t miss.

Duterte pushes for South China Sea guidelines

President Rodrigo Duterte, in a joint press conference with Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, said the Philippines is determined to complete the guidelines for countries’ behavior in the South China Sea. Duterte, whose administration has taken a warmer approach toward aggressive China, emphasized the importance of peace and stability.

Philippines, Thailand to boost cooperation

Also in Thailand, President Duterte and Prime Minister Prayut vowed to boost defense and economic cooperation. Duterte said there is a need to address terrorism, piracy at sea, human trafficking, and drugs.

AFP, PNP differ on Maute presence in Metro Manila

Are members of the Maute Group in Metro Manila or not? It depends on who you ask. The police confirmed the presence of a Maute terror cell in the country’s capital, but the military – on the same day – said they haven’t monitored such a threat.

Britain issues laptop, tablet ban for flights

After the US issued a security warning, Britain banned laptops and tablets from plane cabins for flights from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Turkey. The US government earlier warned that extremists could target planes with bombs hidden in these gadgets, and banned carrying them in cabins on flights from 8 countries.

Pope Francis: Resist ‘false reality’ on social media

Pope Francis called on the youth to resist the “false” versions of life presented on social media. He said: “Don’t let yourselves be led astray by this false image of reality! Be the protagonists of your history; decide your own future.”