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MILF expels rogue leader Umbra Kato


Moro rebel leader Ameril Umbra Kato is no longer an official member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. This was after the MILF, the largest secessionist organization in the country now talking peace with the government, has formalized Kato’s expulsion from its roster. As a result, Kato, former leader of the MILF’s 105th Base Command, and his men are no longer covered by the standing ceasefire agreement between the MILF and the government in connection with the peace negotiations. On its website, the MILF said the expulsion of Kato and his men was contained in a resolution adopted by its Central Committee and signed by MILF chairman Al Haj Murad last Sept. 30. MILF vice chairman for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar said the MILF Central Committee has already decided to expel Kato weeks ago, and that the resolution was just a formality. “Umbra Kato, his companions and followers are no longer covered by all agreements between the MILF and the government," said Jaafar. Kato, who has formed the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (formerly the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters), had written the MILF leadership last Aug. 19 to inform them that he and his men are no longer part of the MILF. Kato claimed his group has about 5,000 members, although military officials pegged his followers to be only about 300. The group is believed to be based at Camp Omar, an MILF camp in Maguindanao. On whether the MILF still authorizes Kato and his group to remain at Camp Omar, Jaafar said: “We have yet to discuss that issue because Camp Omar is an MILF camp." “This is one of the recognized camps of the MILF but the Central Committee will decide on that later," Jaafar added. Kato has standing arrest warrants for murder and arson, among others, in connection with the 2008 attacks he led against military and civilian targets in Central Mindanao. The government has offered a P10-million reward for his neutralization. — KBK, GMA News

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