Philippine army and Islamic State-aligned group clash, at least 8 dead

Philippine troops and Muslim militants from the Dawlah Islamiyah, a small group aligned with the Islamic State, fought on Feb. 19, leaving at least six soldiers and two rebels dead.

Troops were hunting a still-unknown number of militants, who withdrew from the scene of the battle, military officials said. Brawner vowed to get justice for the slain and wounded soldiers.

"I assure their families and every Filipino that justice will be meted and all efforts will be exhausted in pursuit of the enemy," Brawner said in a statement where he expressed condolences to the families of the soldiers.