According to the Philippine government , the clashes began during an offensive in Marawi to capture Isnilon Hapilon , the leader of the ISIL-affiliated Abu Sayyaf group , after receiving reports that Hapilon was in the city , possibly to meet with militants of the Maute group . A deadly firefight erupted when Hapilon 's forces opened fire on the combined Army and police teams and called for reinforcements from the Maute group , an armed group that pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and which is believed to be responsible for the 2016 Davao City bombing , according to military spokesmen
2016 Davao City bombing
2016 Davao City bombing
Battle of Marawi