Two Malaysian militants are among those killed in the battle of Marawi in Mindanao, Philippines, reported The Star today.

The report, quoting intelligence sources, identified the duo as Abdulrahman Asmawi from Kelantan and Kamsa Yahya from Kedah.

According to the report, an Indonesian named Shei Ayman Marjuki and Saudi Arabian Sheik Ahmad Balkafi, are also among the casualties in the gunfight.

The source did not specify how many Malaysians are linked to the IS, in Marawi, but it has been reported that former Universiti Malaya lecturer Dr Mahmud Ahmad, also known as Abu Handzalah, is also in Marawi, assisting Abu Sayyaf commander Isnilon Hapilon to push for the creation of IS in the region.

The skirmishes began on Tuesday when Filipino security forces raided Marawi in search of Isnilon, and Abu Sayyaf militants called the Maute group, another militant outfit which has pledged alliance to the IS, for backup.

Dozens of armed militants from the latter group then stormed into the city and took Christian hostages. Following this, Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte announced martial law in Muslim-majority Mindanao and the military was deployed to flush the area of militants.

According to news reports, the military was gaining ground in the ongoing battles, forcing the militants to get holed up in buildings, at times using their hostages as human shield.

Meanwhile, The Star also quoted Bukit Aman Special Branch director Mohamad Fuzi Harun saying that the police has taken measures to deter terror attacks in our shores.

He said intelligence gathering and security measures have been beefed up, in the build up to the SEA Games and National Day celebrations.