Pres. Duterte: Troops to fortify occupied islands in West PHL Sea 

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered Filipino troops to build more structures in islands already occupied by the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea, including reefs claimed by Manila.

Duterte told reporters he has ordered soldiers to build structures on Philippine-claimed islands and reefs in the strategically located Spratly archipelago.

Duterte also said he “may” visit the Philippine-claimed areas on June 12 to mark Philippine Independence Day.