(Eagle News) — A Malaysian who fought alongside terrorists in Marawi is the new Islamic State emir in Southeast Asia.
This is according to Philippine National Police Chief Roland dela Rosa,who spoke in a press conference on Monday.
“(Amin Baco) is not only leading the remaining stragglers (in Marawi), but also the whole Southeast Asia,” De la Rosa said, citing information provided by Mohammad Ilham Syahputra, who was arrested in Marawi last week.
De la Rosa said Baco replaced Isnilon Hapilon, who was killed by the military in Marawi City in October.
According to the police chief, the whereabouts of Baco were not known.
He was, however, he said, last seen in Marawi’s main battle area with 30 other stragglers.
He said based on a police intelligence report, Baco was last seen with three accomplices: two Indonesians and one Malaysian.
He said Baco’s three companions were still in Marawi.
“It’s either (Baco) is on his way out or he had already left. It’s still unconfirmed,” the police chief said.