MILF disowns rogue commander Kato, declares him 'bughaat'

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Wednesday said it is disowning its rogue commander Ameril Umbra Kato and his followers but kept the door open for them to return. In a resolution, the MILF declared Kato, his companions and followers in his Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters as "bughaat," or one who does not follow an order. "(Kato), his companions and followers are 'BUGHAAT.' (His) companions and followers are no longer members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front unless they cease and desist without delay their anti-MILF campaigns and other related activities that are intended to discredit and destruct the entire legitimate leadership of the MILF and henceforth return at once to the fold of the MILF," the MILF said. The MILF said Kato and his followers "must stop immediately spreading rumors and malicious accusations against the leadership and members of the MILF." The MILF Central Committee said it will closely monitor the reaction and compliance of Kato and his followers regarding the resolution. "The Central Committee finally decided that being the highest policy making body of the Front it reserves its rights, obligations and authority to exercise appropriate actions and necessary measures in order to preserve and maintain the Islamic brotherhood, unity, solidarity, cooperation and integrity of the leadership of the MILF in accordance with the pristine teachings of Islam," it added. The MILF indicated that the MILF Central Committee adopted the resolution on July 5 and it was signed by MILF chairman Al Haj Murad on August 18. On the other hand, the MILF said thee Assembly of the Ulama will meet 10 days after Eid'l Fitr to decide what is the best option "to preserve the brotherhood, unity, solidarity, cooperation and dignity of the leadership and members of the MILF for the preservation and maintenance of its unified political leadership and military command." - VVP, GMA News