President Duterte yesterday warned that war could break out any group, especially foreigners, would conduct research explorations and fishing activities within the Philippine Rise without the Philippine government's permission. The President, during the inauguration of the Bahay Pag-asa housing program in Marawi City, reasserted the Philippines' sovereign rights over the continental shelf. Duterte said he already deployed a battalion of Marines to secure the Philippine Rise, formerly known as Benham Rise, and ensure that no unauthorized activities are conducted there.

Montemayor, J., & Hachero, A. (2018, March 1). Duterte: No fishing in PH Rise or there will be war. Malaya Business Insight, pp. B1, B6.