AFP admits having difficulty confirming Umbra Kato’s death

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Wednesday admitted to having difficulty confirming the death of Ustadz Ameril Umbra Kato, founder of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

At a press briefing, AFP public affairs chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said they failed to get pictures to prove Kato's death.

"'Yung mga pinakiusapan natin hindi pumayag na kuhanan ng picture yung kanyang bangkay at nirerespeto natin 'yon," he said.

Instead, Cabunoc said, the military will only have to rely on testimonies from members of the BIFF, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and other agencies and locals who have direct information on the death.

Asked as to why the military has not yet visited the burial site, Cabunoc said: "Pwede naman siyang pupuntahan kaya lang may mga rason kung bakit hindi ginagawa ngayon dahil doon sa sitwasyon ngayon sa lugar."

"Hindi pwedeng basta-bastang pasukin 'yung lugar na 'yan," he added.

On Wednesday, BIFF spokesperson Abu Misry Mama said the leader of the group that broke away from the MILF was buried 9 a.m. on Tuesday, hours after his death was reported. — BM, GMA News