Usman spotted at Umbra Kato’s funeral –military

From GMA News (Apr 22): Usman spotted at Umbra Kato’s funeral –military

Suspected terrorist Abdul Basit Usman, a target in the ill-fated police operation in Maguindanao last January 25, attended the funeral of the late rebel leader Ameril Umbra Kato, the military said Wednesday.

“Sa Central Mindanao pa rin [siya], in fact he attended doon sa burial ni Ameril Umbra Kato,” said Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala, citing intelligence information.

Kato, who died from a lingering illness last April 14, was the leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a splinter group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Both groups, backed by private armed groups, clashed with police Special Action Force (SAF) commandos in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, last January 25, resulting in the deaths of over 60 people, most of them policemen.

The commandos were there to arrest Usman and Malaysian bomber Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan, who was killed in the operation.

Kakilala said Usman, who is still being pursued by government forces, was with other high profile rebels including BIFF spokesman Abu Misry Mama and new BIFF leader Esmael Abubakar.

Kakilala also said they learned of Usman, Mama and Abubakar's presence in Kato's funeral belatedly.

“Nakuha lang 'yung information after the fact na,” he said. “Na-monitor nila (intelligence) at pagkatapos ng burial doon na nakuha 'yung information.”

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/474518/news/nation/usman-spotted-at-umbra-kato-s-funeral-military