U.S. may use armed drones to strike Maute

The U.S. military may conduct airstrikes by the use of armed drones in Marawi, "it was learned that the Pentagon is considering a plan that allows the U.S. military to conduct airstrikes on ISIS in the Philippines, NBC reported.

"The authority to strikes ISIS targets as part of collective self-defense could be granted as part of an official military operation that may be named as early as Tuesday.""If approved, the U.S. military would be able to conduct strikes against ISIS targets in the Philippines that could be a threat to allies in the region, which would include the Philippine forces battling ISIS on the ground in the country's southern islands." NBC reported.

However, DND denied any discussions regarding the planned using armed drones to strike against the enemy. It added that no such discussions have occurred between the U.S.

AFP chef-of-staff General Eduardo Ano said that at present such a measure is not within the provision of the Mutual Defense Treaty.

Lorenzana reiterated that no discussions regarding air strikes from whatever platforms hitting local targets transpired at his level.