MANILA, Oct 20 (MySinchew) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte confirmed that Malaysian terrorist Mahmud Ahmad had been killed in Marawi.

Mahmud, who used to teach at Universiti Malaya, was generally believed to be the financial chief of the IS group in Southeast Asia.

There are currently about 20 to 30 IS terrorists still fighting for survival in the southern Philippine city of Marawi.

Although the body of Mahmud has yet to be recovered, military spokesperson Restituto Padilla said rescued hostages had confirmed his death.