Ameril Umbra Kato, rogue MILF leader and founder of BIFF

Ameril Umbra Kato, the founder and leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, was confirmed killed on April 14, 2015.

Kato, who was about 68 or 69 years old, was among the Philippine National Police's Ten Most Wanted Persons.

The Department of Interior and Local Government in 2008 had raised the reward for his capture from P5 million to P10 million.

He was facing charges for multiple murder, 15 counts of arson, nine counts of attempted murder, frustrated murder, 26 counts of robbery.

Kato's death was confirmed by Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal Tuesday morning. Iqbal, however, did not elaborate.

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala said the AFP was still verifying reports of the BIFF leader's death.

Citing initial reports, he said Kato passed away at around 2 a.m. on Tuesday after he suffered a stroke.

Breakaway group

Kato, who was the leader of the MILF's 105th Base Command, had questioned the MILF's capability to face the government in peace negotiations. He claimed the MILF did not represent the real sentiment of the Bangsamoro people.

He was eventually expelled from the MILF in October 2008, months after he formed the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) and its armed group, BIFF. He also led a series of attacks against government troops and civilians in Maguindanao.

It was Kato who allegedly led the attacks in Mindanao after the Supreme Court junked the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain between government under then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the MILF.

He had standing arrest warrants for murder, arson and other crimes in connection with the 2008 attacks he led against military and civilian targets in Central Mindanao.

'He was very ill'

Kakilala said Kato was very ill after he suffered a stroke in November 2011, which resulted in half of his body being paralyzed.

"He underwent therapy at his home and he tried to recover by walking three to five steps at a time before he is being carried by his close in security," he added.

Kakilala said the military's all-out offensives against the BIFF may have taken a toll on the elderly leader. "He had to be moved from one place to another, which is stressful for someone who suffered a stroke," Kakilala said.

The military launched offensive operations against Basit Usman and the members of the BIFF involved in the Jan. 25 encounter with the Philippine National Police Special Action Force in Barangay Tukanalipao in Mamasapano town. The encounter cost the lives of 44 SAF troopers.

The target of the operation was to arrest suspected Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan and Usman. Marwan was believed to have been killed during the operation but Usman managed to escape.

Before its end last March 30, the military offensives were conducted in four towns in Maguindanao: Salibo, Pagatin, Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak, or the “SPMS box,” where BIFF members are believed to have retreated with Usman.

Reported dead in 2011

It was not the first time Kato was reported dead.

In November 2011, an MILF official confirmed the passing of the rebel leader after he suffered a stroke.

“Now it is confirmed [that] Ameril Umbra Kato passed away in Toril..." said Michael Mastura, then-legal counsel of the MILF and a member of the rebel group’s peace negotiating panel. He did not elaborate.

But on December 2011, a ranking official of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) presented to news media a photograph  showing a frail-looking but alive Kato.

“Contrary to claims made by several groups, Kato is recuperating from a stroke,” Mercado Salangani, secretary-general of the tri-media of the MNLF, said Saturday in Cotabato City.

Salangani said the photograph of him and Kato was taken on Dec 8 inside the rebel’s house where he said Kato is staying while recuperating from a stroke.

'Door for greater peace'

Kakilala said that should the death of Kato be confirmed, the military hopes "his death would open the door for greater peace and unity in Central Mindanao because Kato was staunchly against the peace talks between the GPH and MILF."

For his part, AFP public affairs chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said if Kato has indeed passed away, the military is hoping that the group "will lose it influence and will see its gradual demise due to the lack of popular support."

"Kato is the source of inspiration of the members of the BIFF who joined him in waging violent attacks against peaceful communities," he added. —NB, GMA News