The Philippines Army has been battling pro-ISIS militants in the south of the Philippines

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Around 300 armed men, including members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), stormed a school in Pigcawayan town in Mindanao.

Several students were said to have been taken captive.

A military spokesman, Brig Gen Restituto Padilla, has now confirmed the school is “safe”.

He did not comment on whether children were involved but added that the militants had tried to use “human shields”.

Chief Inspector Realan Mamon added that members of the BIFF had engaged in a gun battle with the military.

Mr Mamon said: “We can confirm that they occupied a school and there were civilians trapped.