Military bares leadership split in BIFF

A Mindanao-based military commander on Monday bared a supposed leadership split in the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF), which is blamed for numerous bombings and other atrocities in the region.

Col. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the 601st Brigade, said the split came earlier this month after top BIFF leader Esmael Abubakar alias Kumander Bungos sacked Imam Minimbang alias Kumander Kagi Karialan as the group's chief of staff for military affairs.

Sobejana said Karialan assumed the BIFF leadership for a while until he was removed and told that Bungos was the designated successor based on a supposed letter from the late BIFF founder Umbra Kato.

"Nagkaroon ng separation between Karialan and Bungos. Si Karialan was taken out from the BIFF. Ever since naman kasi mayroong leadership struggle sila sa loob," he said.

He added, "Kasi si Karialan for a while thought that he will take over the leadership after the death of Umbra Kato. But yung naging basehan ng next leadership was the letter, para bang last will and testament ni Umbra Kato designating Bungos as his successo."

The dispute worsened, Sobejana said, after Karialan learned that Bungos was allegedly considering to adopt the ideologies of the Islamic State, the notorious international terrorist organization.

On the other hand, Sobejana said Bungos claimed Karialan got separated from the BIFF because he is no longer following the chain of command.

Asked how the military learned about the supposed split, Sobejana said the Philippine Army received a document and footage confirming it on July 10.

"Dinocument nila, according to the footage na nagsalita si Karialan there was a black and white being issued by Bungos relieving Karialan from the position, so naging floating si Karialan," Sobejana said.

Sobejana, meanwhile, clarified that Bungos is still the recognized leader of the BIFF. "Si Bungos naman talaga yung recognized leader... identified natin ang tao na sumunod sa kanya," he said.

He clarified the factions of Bungos and Karialan are still affiliated with the BIFF but the latter has the possibility of rejoining the Moro Islamic Liberation Front since he has relatives there.

The government is currently in peace talks with the MILF on the establishment of a Bangsamoro region in Mindanao.

If Karialan decides to rejoin the MILF, Sobejana said, the BIFF forces' strength would be reduced to more or less than 35 to 40 percent.

He estimated that at least 40 to 60 personnel pledged loyalty to Karailan while about 100 remained with Bungos. —Joseph Tristan Roxas/KBK, GMA News