Muslim rebels expel leader for beheading

MANILA, Philippines — A hard-line Muslim rebel group says it has expelled a top leader after he was linked to the beheading of a farmer in the southern Philippines.

Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement spokesman Abu Misry said Tuesday the expulsion of vice chairman Mohammad Ali Tambako from his group proves it is not a terrorist band.

Regional military spokesman Col. Dickson Hermoso said the rebel group expelled Tambako after facing widespread condemnation for the beheading in September.

The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement is one of at least four armed groups outside of a peace deal between the government and the main Muslim rebel group in the south.

Hermoso says the group remains involved in bombings, kidnappings and other crimes and cannot gain acceptability despite Tambako’s expulsion.

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