Philippines' military chief visits remote islands near disputed Spratlys

BALABAC, Philippines (Reuters): When the Philippine military chief Gen Andres Centino (pic) addressed a small contingent of navy officers on a remote island in Palawan province near the disputed Spratly archipelago in the South China Sea, he reminded them their mission was to "ensure there is peace".

But he also told them they have a "very important" role to play in guarding Philippine waters against intruders - and assured them of more resources and troops as the Philippines shifts its focus from internal security to territorial defence.