The University of the Philippines on Thursday denied reports that Isnilon Hapilon, the suspected Islamic State leader in Southeast Asia, studied at the premiere university before joining terrorist movements in Mindanao.

"Upon verification with the official records of the Office of the University Registrar and the Office of Alumni Affairs, the University of the Philippines can find no record of a former student or alumnus by the name of Isnilon Hapilon," the state-funded university said in a statement posted on its official Facebook page.

The clarification was issued after misleading reports identified Hapilon as a UP graduate.

The ongoing clash in Marawi City where hundreds were killed started after the Maute terrorist group fired at government troops who were on a mission to arrest Hapilon.