3 Filipino sympathisers of IS killed in Philippines

Philippine forces have killed three suspected sympathisers of the Islamic State group but failed to capture their leader in a clash in the country's south.

Army Maj. Gen. Rafael Valencia says troops seized two rifles and an IS-style black flag of the slain militants who belonged to a small armed group called the Ansar Al Khilafah Philippines following yesterday's clash near Maasim town in Sarangani province.

Valencia said Sunday that a militant was captured by the troops prior to the fighting near Maasim.

Military officials say the militants led by their leader, Mohammad Jaafar Sabiwang Maguid, were sighted in a hinterland by villagers, who notified the troops.