Marines deployed in Palawan

From: gmanews.tv

Two marine battalions have been deployed in Palawan to defend the disputed territories in the West Philippine Sea, Philippine Marine Corps Commandant Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban said Sunday.

The deployment follows reports that China is building infrastructure in the area, particularly in Sansha, a city that China is forming to administer over 200 disputed islets, sandbanks, and reefs in the West Philippine Sea. 

Kalayaan town in Palawan has claims over the area where Sansha will be located.

"Everytime we take periodic pictures of all the islands in the Spratlys, we noticed some changes. We observed changes in structures. For example, nagdagdag ng isang satellite disc. Nagdagdag ng dalawang poste na nilagyan ng platform," Sabban said.

Sabban said the structures are in the early stage of construction, but the marines are monitoring the installations.  

Sabban said that the situation in the area is generally peaceful. He said his troops are not attempting to visit the installations. ###