Ongoing battle: Residents watching the Philippine army airstrike as troops continue their assault against insurgents from the Maute group in Marawi city. — Reuters
MANILA: The Philippines ruled out negotiations with militants holding hostages and occupying a southern town, after reports that a rebel leader wanted to trade a Catholic priest for his parents being held by police.
Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said there would be no deals with the Maute group militants holed up in Marawi City because that was against government policy, and anyone trying to bargain had no authority to do so.
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