With the reported death of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom
Fighters (BIFF) chair Ameril Umbra Kato and capture of their other ranking
leaders, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is urging members of the
bandit group to surrender and live peaceful lives anew with their families.
"We are calling on the remnants of the BIFF to consider
the option of returning back to the mainstream Moro Islamic Liberation Front
organization and be one with us in supporting the ongoing peace process that
would bring lasting peace in Mindanao and the whole country," AFP public
affairs office chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said.
Cabunoc that with the claimed death of the BIFF founding
chair, the AFP sees the gradual demise of the group.
"Considering that Kato is both a tactical commander and
at the same time the spiritual leader of the group. As a spiritual leader, Kato
played a crucial role in recruiting new members of the organization using his
mastery of the Quran and his wisdom as an experienced leader of the rebel
group," Cabunoc said.
Earlier, three other BIFF leaders were already neutralized
in the “all-out offensive” operations conducted by the AFP and the Philippine
National Police from Feb. 27 to March 30.
The list of neutralized BIFF leaders include Mohammad Ali
Tambako and Abdulgani Esmael Pagao who were both arrested; and, Usop Abeh
Salih, also known as Kumander Bisaya, who was killed in a clash in Datu Unsay,
Maguindanao.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=752878
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