AFP: Kato's illness to affect his men's morale

MANILA, Philippines - Reports about the supposed stroke suffered by former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commander Umbra Kato would affect the morale and capability of his fighters, the military said yesterday.

Armed Forces spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said a leader’s capability is affected if he is sick.

Burgos, however, clarified that they are not dismissing the capabilities of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM), the MILF breakaway group led by Kato.

Meanwhile, Kato has declined the military’s offer of free hospital services for security reasons.

BIFM spokesman Abu Misri Mama said while they appreciate the offer of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, they would rather have their leader treated clandestinely by a private doctor, as “many groups want him dead.”

– Alexis Romero, John Unson