President Duterte urgently returned to the Philippines from Russia as rebels seized a city.

Members of the "Maut" group, loyal to IS, have seized the city of Marawi.

President Duterte arrived in Moscow for an official visit. Photo: Sputnik

President Rodrigo Duterte made an urgent decision to return to the Philippines from Russia after receiving news that the "Maut" militant group had seized the city of Marawi. As reported by ABS-CBN News, the Republican leader cut short his official visit and headed back to Manila.

While in Moscow, President Duterte announced that martial law had been declared on the island of Mindanao, where the city of Marawi is located.

Clashes are currently underway in Marawi between militants and the Philippine army. The Amai Pakpak medical center and checkpoints are currently under the terrorists' control. Media reports indicate an explosion in the city claimed 14 lives.

Rodrigo Duterte's meeting with President Vladimir Putin is scheduled for late afternoon on May 23.

According to Sputnik