Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters vice chairman for political affairs Sheik Esmael Abubakar alias Kumander Bungos (right) sits beside BIFF founder and chairman Ustadz Ameril Umbra Kato in this photo taken in April 2011 in Maguindanao. Abubakar took over the helm of the BIFF on Tuesday, April 14, after Kato died of a stroke. Mark Navales/File
Following the death of its founder and leader Ameril Umbra Kato on Tuesday, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters named Sheik Ismael Abubakar alias Kumander Bungos as head of the rebel group.
BIFF spokesperson Abu Misry Mama told GMA News Online in a phone interview that the group decided to have the 40-year-old Abubakar take over Kato's post.
Prior to his appointment, Abubakar was the former chief of the political affairs of the BIFF. He is also active in the military offensive.
Abubakar also served as the brigade commander of the 105th Base Command of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The BIFF is a splinter group of the MILF.
Abubakar studied in the Middle East, is an expert at Shariah law, and took on the title of sheik.
Misry Mama refused to reveal the group's plans but gave the assurance it will continue the legacy of its founder.
The BIFF spokesman admitted Kato's death is a big loss to the group. However, he said it does not mean the group will lose its power, contrary to the claim of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that the BIFF will become weaker now that Kato has died.
Kato passed away before dawn Tuesday due to a stroke.
Misry Mama told GMA News Online Kato was buried at 9 a.m. Wednesday in Mindanao.
In 2008, Kato led attacks in Mindanao after the Supreme Court junked a memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain between the MILF and the Arroyo administration.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/470082/news/nation/kumander-bungos-is-new-biff-head
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