MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte’s official visit to Russia will be cut short following his declaration of martial law in Mindanao after clashes between government forces and a a group inspired by the so-called Islamic State (IS or ISIS) left three people dead and several others injured. The DFA secretary said that he had spoken with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, about the Philippine government’s decision. They understand that the presence of President Duterte is essential in the Philippines,” Cayetano said. The fighting left two policemen and a soldier dead and injured several others, according to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. Duterte has warned crime and terrorist groups in Mindanao in the past against forcing his hand to declare martial law.

Source: Philippine Star May 23, 2017 16:51 UTC