President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao late Tuesday, hours after government troops battled members of a local terror group in Marawi City. The attack in the southern city prompted the President to cut short his visit in Russia. The decision to return to Manila as soon as possible was made after Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao following fierce clashes between government troops and members of the Maute group in Marawi City. They understand that the presence of President Duterte is essential in the Philippines but I will be staying behind. The gunmen attacked a hospital during the clashes, Ano said.

Source: Manila Times May 23, 2017 17:03 UTC