Defence Minister Marise Payne will visit the Philippines next week for more talks about sending special forces troops to the Philippines.

Earlier today Foreign Minister Julie Bishop's office confirmed that the Philippines had accepted Australia's offer of help, but Ms Bishop has since clarified that it has not yet been formally agreed.

Senator Payne's office said discussions were ongoing with the Philippines Government.

She will have talks in Manila next week with her counterpart Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

Philippines forces are battling to stop Islamic State gaining a foothold in Marawi. ( AP: Aaron Favila )

The Philippines army is engaged in a fierce battle as it tries to stop the terrorist group establishing a South-East Asian headquarters in the city of Marawi.

Australian spy planes are already providing intelligence to the Philippines military.

Special forces soldiers would not have a combat role, but would support and advise local troops.

Philippines military spokesman General Restituto Padilla said Australia's offer was appreciated amid what was expected to be a drawn out battle.

Philippine Marines stand guard outside a mosque in Marawi City. ( Reuters: Erik De Castro )

"It will help our troops on the ground find, fix and neutralise all the enemies," he said.

"These events that are unfolding [in Marawi] are something we see as not ending soon."

He said the country's constitution prohibited foreign forces being engaged in actual combat roles, so the Australian troops would provide training and intelligence.

"Things that we aren't capable of doing right now, this is in situational awareness matters, surveillance, the use of drones perhaps, and technology," he said.

"It is a common enemy, terrorism isn't just a problem of the Philippines, it's a global problem."

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop offered assistance to President Rodrigo Duterte during a visit to Manila in August.

"Obviously we would be ready to support the Philippines in the same way we are supporting Iraq in advising, assisting and training," Ms Bishop said this week.

But she stressed Australia had not offered to send combat troops to the besieged region.

"I went through with the President in some detail the support we have given in Iraq, that does not include troops on the ground," she said.

Australian intelligence and security agencies have been growing increasingly alarmed at the rise of IS-inspired fighters around the war-torn city of Marawi.

Last month, the head of Australia's foreign spy agency ASIS, Nick Warner, drew fire for posing with Mr Duterte during a meeting where they discussed the threat of IS in the Philippines.