Philippines’ military chief visits remote islands near disputed Spratlys

General Andres Centino’s visit at the Narciso del Rosario naval station, site of a new beaching ramp and staging area, was his second stop in the Balabac group of islands, where he also inspected a 300-hectare Philippine air base PALAWAN, Philippines - When the Philippine military chief 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 General Andres Centino also told them they have a "very important" role to play in guarding Philippine…