Hapilon seen on video explaining local terror groups' ties to ISIS

In a 30-minute video made available to GMA News by the military, terrorist leader Isnilon Hapilon can be seen explaining to associates how Philippine terror groups had linked with the Islamic State.

GMA 7 news program "24 Oras" also reported that the video suggested that local terror groups were receiving support from overseas, given that a translator beside Hapilon was converting what he was saying into Malay.

Though it was not known when the video was taken, it was likely recorded after Hapilon had been declared ISIS' emir in the Philippines.

"Lahat ng talento ay ibuhos sa giyera sa tulong ng Diyos. Itong Jihad natin, dadaan tayo sa matinding pagsubok," Hapilon said in the video.

University of the Philippines professor Julkipi Wadi was able to view the recording, and though neither Marawi City nor the Maute group was ever mentioned in the video, it appeared that Hapilon had early on planned the attack on the city.

"It appears, Hapilon is well versed, with the doctrines of jihad" explained Wadi. "May panawagan ngayon na, palalakasin ng ISIS yung grupo nila dito sa Southeast Asia. At sinasabi, dahil, nasusukol sila doon sa Iraq." — Margaret Claire Layug/DVM, GMA News