PETALING JAYA, Feb 2 — Suspected Spanish terrorist Abdelhakim Labidi Adib was trying to link up with Malaysian extremist Amin Bacho before the former’s arrest by the Philippine army according to The Star.

Citing an anonymous intelligence source, the newspaper reported that Abdelhakim was hoping to learn bomb-making techniques from Amin.

"We believe the Spaniard could not meet Amin, who has been constantly on the move after escaping from Marawi City siege late last year,” said the source, who also believed Abdelhakim wished to enlist with the militants group responsible for the siege of Marawi City.

Amin is believed to be alternating between the Abu Sayyaf stronghold on Basilan island and Jolo island in the southern Philippines.

The Sabah native is a member of the Darul Islam Sabah militant group seeking to establish an Islamic caliphate in Southern Philippines.

Because of the group’s shared belief with Abu Sayyaf, both joined forces and subsequently pledge allegiance to the Islamic State.

Abdelhakim, a Spanish citizen of Tunisian descent, was caught by the Philippines army in a roadside checkpoint on January 24 on Basilan island.

He was reportedly carrying a backpack with a hand grenade, a rifle grenade, a cellular phone, his passport, personal belongings and cash.