KORONADAL CITY—In what could be considered a show of sincerity in talking peace with the government, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) expelled Ameril Umra Kato, a senior commander behind the deaths of civilians in 2008 and who formed his own armed group.
Von Al Haq, spokesperson for the MILF, told the Inquirer by phone on Monday that the rebel group would not provide any help if government forces would launch ground and air strikes against Kato, leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.
Al Haq said Kato was removed from the MILF’s membership roster in time for the resumption of talks as part of the groups confidence-building measure.
“But whether or not there are scheduled talks, we will still oust him because he is not listening to us anymore,” he said.
“There is no ultimatum for him to return to us. He was removed from the organization. He is defiant. We have sent several emissaries, including those senior to him, but there was no positive result,” Al Haq said.
“The document (Central Committee resolution) regarding his expulsion will come out any time,” he added.
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles said in a statement on Monday that the “Kato issue” would be in the agenda of the exploratory talks that were to resume on Monday in Malaysia.
Deles said the government peace panel “seeks to clarify the status” of Kato with the MILF. “The government views the Kato issue with serious concern as it has a tremendous impact on the negotiations.”
Marvic Leonen, government chief negotiator, said in a statement that the government panel would be “seeking clarification on the status of Kato… from our counterparts in the MILF.”
Al Haq said MILF forces would “remain in the defensive position” in dealing with Kato and his followers. “We will not go after his (Kato) forces as long as he does not do anything against us,” he said.
“But if Kato’s forces will harass our men on the ground, it will be a different story and we will respond,” he added. Jeoffrey Maitem, Inquirer Mindanao