MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ largest Muslim rebel group has given a radical commander a final warning to stop a mutiny or face expulsion that would open his breakaway force to possible military assaults.
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Vice Chairman Ghazali Jaafar says his group’s central committee will soon issue a resolution declaring Ameril Umbra Kato no longer a member.
Jaafar said Wednesday that an expulsion would mean Kato is no longer covered by accords the rebel group has forged with the government, including a truce that shields rebels from military assaults.
Kato has up to 200 armed fighters. Rebel spokesman Von Al Haq says Kato angered rebel leaders when he took steps that stoked a deadly land feud between two commanders in the restive southern Philippines.