Bukit Aman’s Counter-Terrorism Division head, deputy commissioner Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the video is both “powerful” and “dangerous”,
“This video is powerful and moving. It will inflame passions and inspire IS followers in Malaysia, Indonesia – all of Southeast Asia – to go to southern Philippines to wage jihad,” Ayob Khan was quoted as saying.
The timing of the video’s release is also significant as it comes as the fighting between Philippine military and the IS-linked militants in Marawi is now into its fourth month as of yesterday.
In the video, young Muslim men are seen setting fire to a Catholic church and destroying a large crucifix and several statues of Mother Mary, evoking scenes of destruction of thousand-year old artefacts in Iraq’s Mosul Museum when IS took over the city in 2015. They are also seen ripping up photos of the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis.
“For a Muslim fanatic, the sight of a crucifix being destroyed will excite and stir their passion to fight,” Ayob was quoted as saying.
He added that the fact that the fighting in Marawi has lasted three months is also a psychological and propaganda victory for IS militants.
According to Singapore-based regional news broadcaster, the video also features a fighter identified as Abul-Yaman from Marawi, urging fellow Muslims in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand and Singapore to migrate to Marawi,“to perform jihad”.
Islamic centre of the Philippines
Marawi, the provincial capital of Lanao del Sur on Mindanao island, has a large Muslim population and is known as the Islamic centre of the Philippines, which is a Catholic-majority country.
“Since the Marawi siege started, we have seen increased activities from IS cells in Malaysia trying to enter into the southern Philippines. Their preferred route is Sandakan, Tawau and Lahad Datu in Sabah,” Ayob told CNA.
It has been previously reported that several suspected fighters have been caught in Sabah but Ayob did not provide any figures as to the real number of those detained.
Mindanao was placed under martial law by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte after a surprise attack on Marawi on May 23 by IS militants.
Almost 200,000 residents of Marawi have been evacuated but more than 500 civilians are said to be still trapped there or held hostage.
It has also been reported that close to 700 people, including 528 militants, 122 soldiers and 45 civilians have been killed in the conflict as government forces try to dislodge the terrorists.
The seizure of Marawi by fighters allied to IS has raised alarm bells in neighbouring countries, including Malaysia, with the authorities on the alert for spillover effects that may arise from the fighting.
Malaysia has so far sent humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies to the Philippine army, and has announced plans to send besides clean water, a Malaysian Armed Forces medical team and an Armed Forces Religious Corp team.
Police confirm no militants escaped during Sandakan take-down