Action star Seagal rallies troops in Jolo for Duterte

Manila : Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte brought in a special guest yesterday to rally troops battling Islamic State followers in the south -- US action hero Steven Seagal.

The star of 80s and 90s hits like “Hard to Kill” and “Under Siege” joined Duterte in a visit to an army camp on the island of Jolo.

He was there to impart martial wisdom to soldiers fighting the feared Abu Sayyaf, a band of Muslim extremists, some of whose members have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group.

“I know you guys put your life on the line every day. I myself have done and will do the same thing so I understand this is serious business,” he told the soldiers, who have been battling Abu Sayyaf for decades.

The extremist group has been blamed for some of the worst terror attacks in the country’s history including mass kidnappings and deadly bombings.

Some of its members took part in the five-month battle that devastated the southern city of Marawi this year.