MANILA - Presidential Communications Secretary Martin on Sunday appealed for foreign assistance in fighting extremist groups in the south.

"We need support, be that economic support, ideological support to fight the ISIS. Now, it is an international issue. We are doing our best to contain the ISIS and to stop it from spreading in the country," Andanar said in an interview with Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.

Maute extremists engaged in 6 days of fighting with government troops in Marawi City are allegedly inspired by Islamic State jihadists. The military has downplayed the relationship between local groups and ISIS.

Andanar also defended the declaration of martial law in Mindanao, and shared the government's plan to appoint a spokesperson who will give updates on the ongoing operations against the Maute group in Marawi City.