Philippines' Rodrigo Duterte declares martial law on island
President takes action after violence breaks out between army and up to 100 armed militants

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has declared a 60-day period of martial law on Mindanao island, following clashes between the army and militants with links to Islamic State.
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.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"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.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
What does the Le Pen verdict mean for the future of French politics?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION Convicted of embezzlement and slapped with a five year ban on running for public office, where does arch-conservative Marine Le Pen go from here — and will the movement she leads follow?
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Discount stores were thriving. How did they stumble?
The Explainer Blame Walmart — and inflation
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Kaja Kallas: the EU's new chief diplomat shaping the future of European defense
In the Spotlight Former Estonian Prime Minister's status as an uncompromising Russia hawk has gone from liability to strength
By David Faris Published
-
'Like a sound from hell': Serbia and sonic weapons
The Explainer Half a million people sign petition alleging Serbian police used an illegal 'sound cannon' to disrupt anti-government protests
By Abby Wilson Published
-
The arrest of the Philippines' former president leaves the country's drug war in disarray
In the Spotlight Rodrigo Duterte was arrested by the ICC earlier this month
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Ukrainian election: who could replace Zelenskyy?
The Explainer Donald Trump's 'dictator' jibe raises pressure on Ukraine to the polls while the country is under martial law
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Why Serbian protesters set off smoke bombs in parliament
THE EXPLAINER Ongoing anti-corruption protests erupted into full view this week as Serbian protesters threw the country's legislature into chaos
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
The resurgence of the Taliban in Pakistan
Under the Radar Islamabad blames Kabul for sheltering jihadi fighters terrorising Pakistan's borderlands
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Who is the Hat Man? 'Shadow people' and sleep paralysis
In Depth 'Sleep demons' have plagued our dreams throughout the centuries, but the explanation could be medical
By The Week Staff Published
-
Islamic State: the terror group's second act
Talking Point Isis has carried out almost 700 attacks in Syria over the past year, according to one estimate
By The Week UK Published
-
Germany arrests anti-Islam Saudi in SUV attack
Speed Read The attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg left five people dead and more than 200 wounded
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published