Islamic State of Iraq and Syria is claiming responsibility for taking over a city in the Philippines causing President Rodrigo Duterte there to declare martial law.

  • ISIS-inspired terror group torched buildings, a church and a school
  • Police chief beheaded by terrorists
  • Black ISIS-style banner replaces Philippines flag at medical center

People have been posting updates online of buildings being burned down and residents trying to flee the city. 

An ISIS-inspired terrorist group in the city of Marawi has been torching government buildings in the city along with a church, a school and a city jail, according to Duterte's spokesperson.

Duterte has now declared martial law in the city and a state of emergency as he cuts his trip to Moscow short.

And ISIS has put out a statement saying, "fighters of the Islamic State launch a wide-scale offensive on positions of Philippine troops in the city of Marawi."

The militants had reportedly taken over a medical center and replaced the Philippines flag with a black, ISIS-style banner.

Duterte also says the Marawi police chief has been beheaded by militants.

As the militants and government troops continue fighting, many of the residents have been either sheltering in their homes fleeing the city.

People have also been using the hashtag #PrayForMarawi online to raise awareness about the situation.