COTABATO CITY, Philippines – The military on Friday offered to provide hospitalization for breakaway Moro rebel leader Ameril Umra Kato, who has reportedly suffered a “mild stroke”.
Major General Rey Ardo, commander of the 6th Infantry Division based in Maguindanao, said Kato, who broke away from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and founded his own Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement, suffered a “mild stroke” last week.
“He may be wanted by law and has numerous warrants but we will treat him humanely and extend to him the hospitality needed to convince him that the military in Maguindanao is serious in fostering peace and development,” Ardo said.
He said the military was even willing to send a team to fetch Kato.
“If necessary, the 6th ID medics will fetch Kato from his home base and bring him to hospital for treatment,” Ardo said. He did not say, however, that Kato would be released afterwards.
Abu Misri, spokesperson of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters – the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movemen’s armed wing – said the 65-year-old Saudi-educated cleric indeed collapsed while on his way to Camp Alfaro in the tri-borders of Datu Piang, Datu Saudi and Guindulongan towns.
“On our way, he suddenly stopped, sat down and complained of dizziness, then started catching his breath,” Misri said by phone. He said Kato later told them that he collapsed.
“Now I’m okay,” he quoted the BIFM leader as saying.
Misri said Kato decided not to go to Camp Alfaro anymore and returned to his base in the marshland of Maguindanao to rest.
Asked where Kato was now, Misri said: “I do not know, only his close aides know where he is now, maybe he went abroad for medication.”
He said Kato had asthma but was not suffering from from any heart illness.
“Wala siyang sakit sa puso, hika lang,” Misri said.
On Ardo’s offer for the hospitalization of Kato, Misri said: “The offer is welcome but no, thanks.”