Hostages in Philippines forced to fight against Government by militants

The plight of those who escaped from the Militant Group's clutches said they either were forced to convert to Islam, carry wounded fighters to mosques or marry militants of the Maute group loyal to Islamic State.

Civilians said bodies of residents remained left in the streets for weeks which was a gory sight.

They also seemed distressed by persistent air strikes by the government.

If reports are to believed, the Islamic state is seeking presence in the Philippines.

Apparently, Maute militants have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and have been battling government troops since laying siege to Philippines six days ago.

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

The growing fear of radical Islam and the siege of Southern Philippines, points out that the Islamic State with the help of Maute militants have in mind to take over the country.

The Maute militants' access to heavy artillery and use of foreign fighters have alarmed the citizens that the Marawi city battle could be ugly.