Philippine Muslims fear Marawi fighting may deepen communal discord

FILE PHOTO: Muslim residents pray outside a mosque in Pantar village, Lanao Del Norte, Philippines June 23, 2017. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco/File Photo

MARAWI CITY, Philippines/MANILA (Reuters) - When a small army of militants allied to Islamic State took over parts of Marawi City in the southern Philippines last month, many of the country's Muslims were alarmed.

Although the Christian-majority Philippines has endured bouts of insurrection by Muslim groups for centuries, the two communities mostly live together peacefully. Now, many Muslims say, the vicious urban battle with government forces for control of Marawi may intensify the divide.