South Korea eyes supplying PHL with helicopters, submarines

One of the Philippines' closest allies, South Korea, will help the country modernize its defense capability, particularly the acquisition of new helicopters and submarines. This was confirmed by South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong-Man in an exclusive interview over the weekend with the Philippine News Agency .

Palace welcomes US P5.1-B support for Marawi rehab, war on terrorism, drugs

MalacaA ang said that President Duterte has earned the trust of United States President Donald Trump with the White House announcement that the US would pour in $101.3 million, or P5.1 billion, to support the initiatives of the Duterte administration. The White House announced, upon President Trump's return from his 12-day Asian swing , that the US government was pledging the amount to support the rehabilitation of Marawi City, the country's counter-terrorism efforts, and the administration's drug war.

Trump to Meet Duterte as Ties Recover From Obama Dust-Up

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to sit down for a formal meeting with Rodrigo Duterte on Monday as ties warm a year after the Philippine leader cursed out Barack Obama and publicly pivoted toward China. Trump and Duterte shook hands Monday morning before a ceremony to open two days of meetings in Manila hosted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Copies of Koran, boots and scarves all that remain in Philippine rebel leader’s lair

Prayer mats, chequered scarves, black fatigues, and bullet-ridden walls mark the hideout where the "emir" of Islamic State in Southeast Asia spent months preparing the most brazen and devastating militant attack in the region. People walk in front of a bullet-riddled apartment house in a residential area in Malutlut district, Marawi city, southern Philippines October 27, 2017, which was believed to have been rented by pro-Islamic State militant group leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute before their battle in Marawi city.

A Victory Against ISIS in the Philippines Leaves a City Destroyed

Five months ago, a group of pro-ISIS militants attacked and took control of parts of the southern Philippine city of Marawi. More than 1,000 people have been killed in the siege that has raged since then, as Philippine government troops waged war against the pro-ISIS occupiers - local terrorist groups called the Maute Group and Abu Sayyaf.

Duterte vows to continue drug war, end communist rebel talks

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte vowed Monday to continue his bloody war on illegal drugs despite international and domestic criticism and warned that offenders will end up in "jail or hell." In his second state of the nation speech, Duterte also insisted he would not hold peace talks with communist rebels because of continuing attacks.

Marawi Militants Losing, Philippines Says, but Neighbors Fear Their Spread

Islamist militants holed up in a southern Philippines town have been cornered and their firepower is flagging, the military said Thursday, as the five-week battle for control of Marawi City raged on. Despite signs that the insurgents are now on the back foot, Southeast Asian governments are worried that the siege could be just the prelude to further violence as the ultra-radical Islamic State group tries to establish a foothold in their region.

Philippines says Islamist fighters trapped in corner of besieged town

A graffiti is seen on a wall of a back alley as government soldiers continue their assault against the Maute group, who have taken over parts of Marawi City, Philippines June 22, 2017. A government soldier guards a city hall compound, as government troops continue their assault against insurgents from the Maute group, who have taken over parts of Marawi City, Philippines June 22, 2017.

Filipino troops, gunships fight militants in southern city

Philippine troops backed by armored vehicles and rocket-firing helicopters fought to re-take control of a city that has been under attack by gunmen linked to the Islamic State group since a raid earlier this week failed to capture one of Asia's most-wanted militants. Rebels have torn through the streets of Marawi since Tuesday night, torching buildings, taking a priest and his worshippers hostage and sealing off much of the city.

The latest: Army trucks roll deeper into Philippine city

This undated image provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation shows a wanted poster for Isnilon Hapilon, who was purportedly designated leader of the Islamic State group's Southeast Asia branch in 2016 but has long ties to local extremist movements. Hapilon gained notoriety beyond the Philippines when he allegedly helped Abu Sayyaf kidnap 20 hostages from a Filipino resort in 2001.

Martial law declared in Philippines’ south after militant siege

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has declared martial law in the country's south for 60 days after an attack by Muslim extremists allied with the Islamic State group. Mr Duterte has cut short his trip to Moscow - where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin - to return home and deal with the developing situation.

ISIS’ Newest Franchise Player Is Already Robbing Cops, Raiding Prisons

Islamic militants flying the Islamic State banner raided a Philippine prison Saturday night and freed eight of their comrades, along with 20 other inmates, reports the Philippine Star. Around two dozen gunmen affiliated with the Maute Group stormed the Lanao del Sur provincial prison in Marawi with RPGs, AK-47s and M-14s at dusk Saturday.