Australia to help Philippines tackle militants

Australia's advanced intelligence-gathering P-3 Orion aircraft are heading to the Philippines to help in the fight against Islamic State-affiliated terrorist groups.

Defence Minister Marise Payne on Friday confirmed two RAAF P-3 Orion aircraft will provide surveillance support to local forces.

The planes will operate in the Mindanao region where four Islamist groups, including Abu Sayyaf and the Maute group, are fighting.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has placed the Mindanao region under martial law.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Senator Payne have promised Australia stands "ready to assist" the Philippines if needed.

"The regional threat from terrorism, in particular from Daesh and foreign fighters, is a direct threat to Australia and our interests. Australia will continue to work with our partners in South East Asia to counter it," the senator said in a statement.