Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte declares martial law on island

President takes

President takes action after violence
breaks out between army and up to 100 armed militants

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Violence erupted in the city of Marawi after security forces
raided the home of Isnilon Hapilon, commander of the Philippines’
brutal Abu Sayyaf terror group.

Militants from a Muslim rebel group called the Maute, also known
as the Islamic State of Lanao, took to the streets armed with
automatic weapons.

“As many as 100 gunmen laid siege to the city of 200,000, the
city hall, a hospital, the jail, a college and some houses in one
of the boldest attacks seen in years,” The Australian newspaper says.

General Eduardo Ano confirmed that at least one police officer
was killed and eight more wounded.

Duterte said he would keep the island under military rule for a
year if necessary.

“I was asked how I would deal with terrorism. I said I’d be
harsh. I told everyone, ‘Do not force my hand into it,'” he
said.

Duterte made the announcement while on a visit to Russia as
“part of an attempt to reorient his country’s geopolitical alliance
further away from the US and towards Moscow”, The Guardian says.

During his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Duterte
also said the Philippines “needed more modern weapons to fight IS
militants and other militant groups”, the BBC says.