Malaysian terrorists hiding in southern Philippines are planning to start an “official” Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis) faction in Southeast Asia by uniting militant groups in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, The Star reports today.

The plan included two established terror groups in the region, Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiah.

The wanted trio, former Universiti Malaya lecturer Dr Mahmud Ahmad, sundry shop owner Mohd Najib Husen and former Selayang Municipal Council employee Muhammad Joraimee Awang Raimee were reportedly the individuals spearheading the unification plan.

Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter-Terrorism division head Datuk Ayob Khan told the newspaper that although Mahmud was active with Abu Sayyaf in southern Philippines, he wanted to form a Southeast Asian charter of Isis.

Ayob said: “He has performed the ‘bai’ah’ or the oath of allegiance on video but to form the Southeast Asian cell of Isis, Mahmud has to travel to Syria and swear his allegiance in front of Isis supremo Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

“We discovered through intelligence sharing that going to Syria is his priority now.”

Ayob was also quoted as saying the region faced greater danger if Mahmud’s plans were to succeed, with the different militant groups operating under a single banner.

Abu Sayyaf gained international notoriety for the worst militant attacks in Philippine history, including bombings and kidnappings of Christians and foreigners for ransom.

Despite receiving training assistance from the United States, the Philippines has struggled to contain Abu Sayyaf, whose leader last year pledged allegiance to the Isis movement.

In July, Malaysian police arrested 10 suspected Isis members in multiple raids across the country.

Those arrested included six security forces personnel, a former interior designer and a kindergarten teacher.

The suspects – eight men and two women – were detained by the special counter-terrorism division in six separate areas, including Kuala Lumpur. – November 15, 2015.