Malaysia radicals believed to be in Philippines
Radicals from Malaysia are also believed to have fled to the Philippines to train and recruit IS fighters, and although the Filipino groups began displaying black flags symbolising support for al-Qaeda as early as 2011, the the latest video suggests they might have agreed to consolidate their forces.
The video was posted on January 4, according to the online news webite Rappler, and showed Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon marching with other extremist leaders who operate from bases on nearby islands. The video has since being removed.
Indonesia specialist Greg Fealy, from the Australian National University, said it was unclear whether the central leadership of ISIS in Syria and Iraq was interested in spawning a formal organisation in south-east Asia.
Associate Professor Fealy said ISIS has been willing to accept recruits from the region as well as any funds raised, but despite its large Muslim population, fighters from south-east Asia only played a peripheral role.
Indonesia was on the highest possible alert for a terror attack over the holiday period, with 11 alleged terrorists – suspected to be planning an attack in December – arrested in the lead-up to Christmas.