With the reported death of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom
Fighters (BIFF) founding chair Ameril Umbra Kato Tuesday, the Armed Forces of
the Philippines (AFP) announced that it is very likely that the group will lose
its influence and go on the decline.
"If he indeed has died, the group will lose its
influence and will see its gradual demise due to the lack of popular support.
Also, his death would open the door for greater peace and unity in Central
Mindanao (because) Kato was staunchly against the peace talks bet the GPH
(Government of the Philippines) and MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front),"
AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala said.
However, he added that the military is still verifying this
information.
"Our intelligence units are still confirming it. But,
the information is a welcome development.Kato is the source of inspiration by
the members of the BIFF who joined him in waging violent attacks against
peaceful communities," Kakilala stressed.
MILF chief negotiator Mohaqher Iqbal earlier said Kato died
at about 2 a.m. Tuesday. He could not say where.
"Our information was he passed away due to cardiac
arrest," Iqbal told reporters.
Mayor Samsodin Dimaukom of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao
also confirmed the death of Kato.
Quoting Kato’s relatives and close allies, Dimaukom said the
BIFF founding chair suffered a cardiac arrest at 2:30 a.m. today in his hideout
in a remote village
of Guindulungan
“His relatives confirmed to me that he succumbed to cardiac
arrest,” Dimaukom said, adding that the 78-year-old renegade leader also
suffered a mild stroke THE last two years ago.
Dimaukom said relatives and friends, including BIFF members,
are now attending to his remains in an undisclosed area in Guindulungan.
Kato will be buried within 24 hours from the time he died
according to Islamic tradition.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=752798
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