Philippine leader asks separatists, Maoists to join fight against Islamic State


Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte speaks to soldiers during a visit at a military camp in Iligan City, Philippines May 26, 2017. Malacanang Presidential Palace/Handout via Reuters

MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has appealed to Muslim separatists and Maoist-led rebels to join his government's fight against Islamic State-linked militants.

With fears growing that Islamic State is seeking a presence in the country, Duterte offered to pay and even house fighters from groups that have long opposed the Philippine state if they would work to defeat a common enemy, the Maute group.

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