The Philippine Online Chronicles

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) legal counsel Michael Mastura confirmed on Sunday the supposed death of rogue MILF commander Ameril Umbra Kato but the MILF later announced that the Kato is still alive, though bedridden and paralyzed because of a stroke.

In a text message to Sun Star Davao, Mastura said Kato, who now heads the MILF splinter group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM), died in Toril, Davao City at around 6 p.m. on Saturday after suffering a stroke.

But Kato’s son Aliudeen said his father is now recovering at an undisclosed place after his reported collapse last Tuesday.

According to the MILF website Luwaran, Kato reportedly suffered a stroke after a meeting with his commanders who protested his earlier meeting with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari. More than a week ago, Kato reportedly met with Misuari to talk about a possible union between MNLF and BIFM.

In another account, the Philippine military said the rebel leader collapsed while on his way to a hideout but is not suffering a heart disease. Aliudeen similarly said that his father collapsed because of heat and not because of a heart disease.

BIFM spokesperson Abu Misri said they are now looking for a doctor to examine the asthmatic Kato.

“On their way to another camp, they drank in a spring they passed by, and his vision suddenly became blurred and he collapsed shortly,” he said then added, “He is still recovering from poor health from but we can assure you he is alive.”

Misri also belied reports that the BIFM will fall if Kato indeed dies. “There’s no problem with that because all people die anyway. Even if it was true he’s gone, there are three deputies who are ready to take his place and the struggle continues,” he said.

Meanwhile, a source said Kato was brought to Toril to be cared by his first wife.

Kato and his group split from the MILF in February because of disputes regarding the latter’s relations with the Philippine government. He later formed the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) as their group’s armed wing.

It is believed that he has around 300 to a thousand fighters under his command.

Another reason for the split is the MILF’s lack of support against the murder cases charged against Kato by the Philippine government.