Philippines- Islamist terrorists storm school, hold students hostage
Islamist terrorists stormed a school in Philippines and are holding several students hostage. About 300 armed men, including members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), forced their way into Pigcawayan town in North Cotabato province and overpowered students and staff. They are now being held captive. Security forces have been deployed to rescue the hostages. A gunbattle was underway.
Neighboring Marawi City on path to becoming another Syria?
Philippines has been rocked by deadly fighting between terrorists and security forces for five weeks. Marawi City, 190km from Pigcawayan, has become a hotbed for terrorists. The fighting has left the city in ruins. Apologizing for the destruction, President Rodrigo Duterte said US-backed air strikes on Marawi would continue. Till now, 370 people have died in the war.
