No threat from Kato on P-Noy's visit

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 10): No threat from Kato on P-Noy's visit

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao –- The military and police here on Sunday said no threats from breakaway Moro rebel group leader Umra Ameril Kato ahead of President Aquino’s Monday visit.

Colonel Dickson Hermoso, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said the Army’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion troopers were closely watching the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), led by Kato. Hermoso said even if they make noise in Maguindanao the Army is prepared.

Senior Supt. Rodelio Jocson, Maguindanao police chief, said checkpoints manned by the Regional Public Safety Battalion have been set up in all the entry points of Barangay Simuay, Sultan Kudarat where the President would launch a government service program called “Sajahatra Bangsamoro.”

The BIFF broke away from MILF due to differences over the peace process. The BIFF is seeking independence for Mindanao. In October last year, BIFF rebels launched simultaneous offensives against military and police installations in Maguindanao in a failed attempt to stop the signing of the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro.

“We are prepared this time,” Hermoso said, referring to any destabilization attempt. “As of now, everything is normal except the Bangsamoro people are upbeat on the visit,” he said.

In a statement emailed to the local media here, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles said the security matter was handled well by government forces and that the MILF has assured the government peace panel the group of Kato would not make any move against the activity.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=496105