President Rodrigo Duterte

Philippines' Duterte sends troops to unoccupied islands

"The unoccupied, which are ours, let's live on it," Mr Duterte told reporters during a visit to a military base in Palawan.

The move is expected to anger China, which claims several contested shoals, islets and reefs in the territory.

China has been constructing artificial islands in the area for years.

While the Philippines occupies nine features in the South China Sea, including a World War Two-era transport ship, Beijing claims almost all of the territory. It is unlikely to welcome an increased military presence from the Philippines.

Duterte orders police to 'cleanse' ranks amidst murder scandal

"Cleanse your ranks. Review their cases. Give me a list of who the scalawags are," Duterte said in a press conference late Sunday night.

Last week, Duterte apologized to South Korean investors and South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines, Kim Jae-Shin, for the murder of Jee Ick-joo and promised swift retribution.

"I am very sorry for that sordid incident. But I can assure you; policemen -- I will not let you get away," he said according to CNN Philippines.

Welcome to Duterte country

He was born and raised here. He served as the local mayor for seven terms. Even now, as President, he flies back and forth to Davao City, saying he prefers his own bed to sleeping in Manila's Malacanang Palace, the traditional home of Philippine leaders.

The President has captured the world's attention with his combative and at times vulgar comments. He told the EU they could f**k themselves and called US President Barack Obama a "son of a bitch."