In 2017, Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon was killed during the Battle of Marawi. Hapilon was the designated as "emir" for ISIL operations in Southeast Asia. According to Filipino authorities Sawadjaan sometime in 2018 has pledged to become the leader of ISIL affiliated groups in the Philippines. A United States report likewise said that Sawadjaan is serving as acting "emir" of ISIL in the region although has maintained that there are no confirmed direct links with Filipino militants with the central organization of the Middle East-based ISIL.