Australian TV journalist shot in neck while covering Philippine military assault on Islamic State

An Australian journalist said he was fine after being hit by a bullet in his neck on Thursday while covering the Philippine military’s assault against militants aligned with Islamic State (IS) in a southern city.

A tweeted video showed ABC journalist Adam Harvey wearing a neck brace and putting on his helmet after receiving treatment on Thursday in Marawi. He told reporters he was fine and that he was to get an X-ray.

ABC’s Southeast Asia correspondent who is based in Indonesia was hit at the provincial capitol building in Marawi, where government officials have given statements to the media about the progress against the militants who’ve laid siege to Marawi since last month.

“Thanks everyone – I’m okay. Bullet is still in my neck, but it missed everything important,” Harvey tweeted. Dr Jose Eric Laya said the bullet was lodged below Harvey’s left ear.

Also on Thursday, a suspected militant bomber was arrested in Cagayan de Oro City, about 100km from Marawi. Brigadier General Gilbert Gapay said the suspect, Mohammad Noaim Maute, was under investigation.