AFP to support operations vs Kato

MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is ready to support any law enforcement operations against renegade Moro rebel commander, Ameril Umbra Kato, after he decided not to rejoin the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

AFP chief Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr., however, clarified that their action in support of the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s efforts against Kato will still be based on the agreement between the MILF and government peace panels on the matter.

“He (Kato) has pending warrant of arrest and we will support any police actions against him. If he is planning to do something, we are always ready to protect and perform our mandate,” Oban said.

Kato, former chief of the MILF’s 105th Command Base, is wanted for a string of criminal cases for leading bloody attacks on farming communities in Maguinda­nao and North Cotabato following the aborted signing on Aug. 5, 2008 of the memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain.

Abu Misra Mama, spokesman of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) that Kato formed after bolting the MILF last year, said Kato is firm on his decision not to rejoin the MILF.

“How can Ustadz Kato return to an organization that no longer abides by the teachings of the Qur’an? It’s the BIFM now that is carrying the banner of Islam as far as the revolution for Moro independence is concerned,” Mama said.

Brig. Gen. Ariel Bernardo, who chairs the government ceasefire committee, said they are still hoping that Kato will reconsider his position on the MILF’s offer of reconciliation.

“We are hoping this problem can still be ironed out by the MILF leadership and by Kato amicably,” he said.

Bernardo said once the MILF declares Kato out of its control and totally on his own, the latter will no longer be protected by the ceasefire.