Duterte warned he may expand martial law nationwide, an unnerving development for many in the Philippines who lived through the rule of Ferdinand Marcos. Marcos declared martial law in 1972 and used it to maintain his grip on power for more than a decade. He is at the nexus of several militant groups that are trying to merge into a more powerful force. Hapilon, who is a commander of the Abu Sayyaf militant group, pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group in 2014. All these groups are inspired by the Islamic State group, but so far there is no sign of significant, material ties.

Source: Fox News May 25, 2017 06:52 UTC