The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) gave one of its erstwhile leaders until Sept. 26 to return to its fold or become open target of government forces.
Ameril Umra Kato, who broke off from the MILF to form his own group called Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), was given the deadline to return to the MILF amid talks with government that were made more complicated by the emergence of Kato’s group.
As soon as the deadline was issued, MILF forces clashed anew with Kato’s group in Datu Piang, Maguindanao, that left four people dead, according to Von Al Haq, MILF spokesperson.
Al Haq told Inquirer by phone that the decision to give Kato more time to reconsider his decision to bolt the MILF was backed by the Ulama Council, an influential group of Islamic religious leaders.
“If he fails, he would be declared outside the coverage of the peace process and the ceasefire,” said Al Haq.
A ceasefire agreement between government and MILF has been largely effective in preventing clashes between soldiers and guerrillas. The truce prevents both government and rebels from launching attacks against each other.
Kato officially announced his secession from the MILF in January this year, also declaring he had formed the BIFF.
Al Haq said members of the Ulama Council recently met with Kato and advised him to “settle whatever kinks he has with the MILF” by Sept. 26.
Al Haq said the recent meeting between Kato and the Ulama Council may be the last attempt to woo him back before the MILF leadership takes action against the BIFF.
In Datu Piang, Maguindanao, armed men identified with Kato’s BIFF attacked forces of the MILF’s 106th Base Command around 5 a.m. on Wednesday, Al Haq said.
He said the five-hour gun battle in Barangay Ganta left four people dead—two from Kato’s group, two from the MILF and one believed caught in the crossfire.
“The fighting was sporadic,” said Al Haq. “Our men did not fire first. They were ambushed by Kato’s men while crossing the village,” he added. Al Haq said residents have evacuated out of fear.
Wednesday’s clash was the latest case of violence between forces identified with Kato and the MILF.
Last month, at least 14 people were also killed in a series of clashes between MILF rebels and BIFF forces in Maguindanao. Ryan Rosauro and Jeoffrey Maitem, Inquirer Mindanao, reporting from Iligan City