Philippines declares end to militants’ siege of city

The Philippine government yesterday declared the end to the militant siege of a southern city that lasted five months, left more than 1,100 people dead and sparked fears of the Islamic State group gaining a foothold in southeast Asia.

Authorities say the Marawi conflict killed 920 militants, 165 troops and police, and at least 45 civilians, leaving 300,000 people displaced.

Philippine housing agencies plan to build more than 1,000 transitional houses within the next two months.