MANILA, Philippines (Updated 5:47 p.m.) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said that he has ordered the military to occupy maritime features in the disputed South China Sea or West Philippine Sea.
During a press briefing in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Duterte said that there is a need to maintain jurisdiction over the disputed waters.
"I have ordered the Armed Forces to occupy all our territories in South China Sea," Duterte said after delivering a speech before soldiers at Camp Artemio Ricarte.
"It looks like everybody is making a grab for the islands there, so we better live on those that are still vacant," Duterte told reporters.
Duterte also said he "may" visit Pag-asa Island, controlled by the Philippines as part of Palawan province on June 12 to mark Independence Day.
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