Armed insurgents attack school in southern Philippines

Philippine police said pro-Islamic State (IS) militants on June 21 attacked the town of Pigcawayan in North Cotabato province in the Philippines’ southern Mindanao Island, occupying a school and holding several students hostage.

Wednesday, June 21, 2017 10:54

Armed insurgents attack school in southern Philippines ảnh 1

Philippine anti-militant soldiers (Photo: AFP)

Hanoi (VNA) – Philippine police said pro-IslamicState (IS) militants on June 21 attacked the town of Pigcawayan in NorthCotabato province in the Philippines’ southern Mindanao Island, occupying aschool and holding several students hostage.

Members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were involvedin a battle with the military, Realan Mamon, the Chief Inspector at Pigcawayan,said in a radio interview.

Pigcawayan town is 190 kilometre south of Marawi city, where the fightingbetween Philippine military and IS-linked militant groups, including BIFF, hasentered its fifth week since May 23, claiming 370 lives, including at least 62soldiers and three policemen.

About 258 militants were killed, including gunmen from Chechnya,Malaysia and Lybia during the fighting but many core leaders of the militantsgroups have been holding up in Marawi.-VNA

VNA

#armed insurgents #pro-Islamic State militants #Philippine police #Pigcawayan town #North Cotabato province #Mindanao Island #attack #student hostage #Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters #BIFF #IS-linked militant groups #Marawi city

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