Islamists lure youngsters in the Philippines with payments, promise of paradise

Government female soldiers wearing white hijabs and child evacuees make peace signs as part of their psychosocial activities at one of the evacuation centres in Balo-i town, Lanao Del Norte, southern Philippines, September 8, 2017. Picture taken September 8, 2017. To match Insight PHILIPPINES-MILITANTS/RECRUITMENT REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco

MARAWI CITY, Philippines (Reuters) - When he saw his commander holding the severed head of one of his neighbours, teenage Islamist fighter Jalil knew it was time to escape from Marawi City.

Churches and homes had been ransacked, people had been shot or taken hostage, and now Philippines government troops, planes and helicopters were pounding the Islamic State loyalists who had taken over large parts of the town on May 23.