A controversial Filipino politician has caused a diplomatic stir between Malaysia and the Philippines.

This was after a Facebook video on Jan. 21 showed him declaring war on Malaysia, and burning the Malaysian flag.

The politician in question is Elly Pamatong, a figure who once declared himself president of the Philippines in 2017, according to Philippines-based media ABS-CBN.

The video was posted to the Facebook group President Pamatong Supporters.

Here is the video:

In case you can't see it:

The video's caption said:

"PRESIDENT RAGEN ELLY VELEZ LAO PAMATONG, USAFFE LIBERATION ARMY, MNLF CHRISTIAN WING, AND PRO-DEMOCRATIC SOLDIERS OF THE PHILIPPINES DECLARE WAR VERSUS MALAYSIA!

--- Declares BOL unconstitutional and an act of WAR vs. the Filipino People sponsored by Malaysia and by Rody Duterte, China Communist Puppet!"

Why did Pamatong engage in such an act?

Pamatong's reasons for his inflammatory act?

The Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) is deemed unconstitutional and amounted to an act of war by Malaysia and Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte on the Filipino people.

According to Malaysian media The New Straits Times (NST), the BOL is the outcome of the peace agreement between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine government in 2014, after around 17 years of negotiations.

The law had been given the green light in 2018 by Duterte in the hopes of granting greater autonomy to the country's predominantly Muslim southern region.

How did Malaysia respond?

Malaysia is naturally upset.

In a press release, Malaysia's foreign ministry responded:

"Malaysia strongly condemns such act and views the burning of the Malaysian flag as a serious incident. The flag is a sacred national symbol and should be treated with respect."

The foreign ministry further called Pamatong's views "offensive" and the accusations he made as "baseless".

The Malaysian foreign ministry also called on the Philippines to take "stern action" against Pamatong so as to "ensure that such incident does not recur as it could potentially tarnish the excellent bilateral relations which Malaysia and the Philippines currently enjoy".

Pamatong's actions disavowed by the Philippines

Philippines-based media Manila Bulletin reported that the message was subsequently reaffirmed by the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, where Philippine Ambassador Charles Jose said:

"The Embassy does not condone the incident and deeply regrets that the incident has offended the feelings of Malaysians."

Pamatong's actions were also disavowed by the ambassador who added:

"His action does not represent the official position of the Philippines."

Jose added that the burning of the flag had been committed by an individual who had been known for multiple controversial acts in the past.

Not the first time he has burnt another country's flag

This is not the first time Pamatong has burnt another country's flag.

On Jan. 19, Pamatong had uploaded another video of himself burning the flag of China, accusing it of "economic colonisation" and "dismemberment" of the Philippines.

What else is Pamatong known for in the Philippines?

According to Inquirer, a media outlet in the Philippines, Pamatong is reported to be a "colourful figure" in the political scene there.

Founder of a far-right paramilitary organisation

Apart from declaring himself president in 2017, Pamatong is also known for being the founder of a far-right paramilitary organisation called USA Freedom Fighters of the East (USAFFE), which explains their banners in both of the flag-burning videos.

Pamatong had reportedly founded the group in 2003 to combat communist insurgents.

In 2014, however, USAFFE was implicated in an attempt to firebomb Ninoy Aquino Airport.

Attempted to sue Pope Benedict

Pamatong had also attempted to sue Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI for "alleged disturbance of public order, swindling and teaching immoral doctrines".

He said the Catholic Church "[had] been arrogantly, oppressively and offensively mounting loudspeakers on church rooftops, towers, belfries and trees that are blaring with monotonous false dogmas and doctrines".

Top image screenshots from President Pamatong Supporters Facebook