PUTRAJAYA, Oct 25 — The Royal Malaysia Police will liaise with the Philippine authorities to verify the identity of Malaysian Daesh militant group member Dr Mahmud Ahmad, who was reportedly killed in a battle with that country’s security forces on Oct 18.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said the Malaysian police had already contacted their Philippine counterparts and were ready to despatch a forensic team to that country to identify Mahmud’s remains.

He said the police had also obtained a DNA sample from Mahmud’s son several days ago as preparation in the event of requests from the Philippines.

"Currently, the best we can do is to contact the Philippine authorities to help us gain access to the body (if located).

"We will conduct DNA tests and if it is confirmed that the body is Mahmud’s and his family requests for his body to be brought home, we will try to do so,” he told reporters after attending the Home Ministry’s monthly gathering here today.

However, Mohamad Fuzi said there was no request from the Philippines to help identify the body, and information on Mahmud’s death was only based on statements made by their (Philippines) authorities and the country’s president, Rodrigo Duterte.

"As such, we are unable to verify the information that Mahmud was killed in battle at Marawi City. I am unable to comment in detail,” he added.

The international media reported that according to the Philippine Army, Mahmud most likely died in the battle on the midnight of Oct 18, which had also claimed the lives of 13 other terrorists.

According to reports, Mahmud, a former university lecturer was believed to have funded the militant movement in Marawi that was surrounded by government forces since five months ago. — Bernama