(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday sought to allay China’s fears the Philippines would disrupt the situation in the South China Sea, following his pronouncement he had ordered the military to “occupy 9 or 10” islands there.
“I’d like to address myself to the Chinese government…Kaibigan natin si Amba. I ordered the occupation of the 10 or 9 islands that are just near our shores because there’s a heightening of the geopolitical issues and eventually (there) may be a violent low-intensity war over here. E kung sa Africa yun wala akong problem. E kung sa Europe. But the problem is it is in the (South) China Sea or the West Philippine Sea. And kung mag-upakan sila riyan, tayo ang walang kamuwang muwang,” he said during a press conference at the Davao International Airport prior to his departure to the Middle East.
According to Duterte, he made the order to “maintain the balance of the geopolitical situation there.“
He noted that “no offensive weapons, not even one gun,” would be placed on the islands.
In fact, he said he ordered the military to place only “structures” and flags.
“Kindly, kindly take a deep look at the situation. Everybody is grabbing every land, every islet…whether manmade (or not). And here (are) our ten islands…For as long as the ruckus continues, and I said, I’ve heard, and believe me, that may maglagay ryan ng mga battery of missiles..Di ako payag niyan. Kaya sabi ko, occupy and claim it as ours,” he said.
“We do not mean no harm to China. We are friends as a matter of fact…China can relax. we are friends. We will not go to war with you,” he added.
From Benham Rise to Philippine Ridge
In his speech, Duterte also said that he would be signing an executive order changing the name of Benham Rise to Philippine Ridge.
“I will be signing an EO maybe when I come back…Ridge mas maganda because it connects one to the other, and it strengthens the claims (over) our continental ridge,” he said.
“Yan ang ano ko. I’m claiming both the 10 or 9 and Benham Rise. I will rename it Philippine Ridge as our exclusive property,” he added.
