Kato is alive, BIFM insists

MANILA, Philippines - The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) has debunked reports that former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commander Ameril Ombra Kato is dead.

The BIFM’s spokesman, Abu Misri Mama, said yesterday that there is no truth to reports which claimed the MILF received information from its commanders on the ground that Kato died at around 6 a.m. Saturday while being evacuated to a hospital in Davao City.

“He (Kato) just collapsed due to fatigue but he immediately recovered,” Mama told radio station dzRH.

Mama, however, admitted that he has not spoken with the BIFM commander.

“Actually he is still near Maguindanao according to his vice (commander),” the BIFM spokesman said.

 Mama claimed Kato’s vice commander called them yesterday but did not allow the BIFM chief to talk. “He is now in stable condition,” he said.

Text messages about Kato’s supposed death have been circulating since Friday.

An anonymous caller, claiming to be a physician, even called Catholic station dxMS in Maguindanao yesterday saying Kato is recuperating and is being treated of his “asthma” by four physicians, one of them an Arab and another a Canadian.

“I can assure you he is okay and that he is recovering,” the the caller said.

Von Al-haq, military spokesman of the MILF, said they got information that Kato died at about 6 p.m. but maintained that this remain unverified.

 “No one has verified this. Even the relatives have yet to verify (the information),” he said.