Manila won't talk with militants

MANILA - The Philippine government will stick to its policy of not negotiating with extremists allied with the Islamic State group that overran Marawi City in the southern Philippines in May, a government spokesman said on Tuesday.

Ernesto Abella said the talks initiated by Muslim religious leaders on Sunday to negotiate for the release of about 150 hostages in the besieged city in the spirit of Islamic holiday Eid al-Fitr were not sanctioned by the government, the military and the political leaders.

"The government policy is not to negotiate with terrorists. Any demands made inside, therefore, hold no basis," Abella said.