Ameril Umbra Kato
Amiril Umbra Kato (18 May 1946[2] – 14 April 2015) was the founder of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a group which seceded from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). He joined the MILF after 1985, after he graduated from Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.[3] Umbra Kato was the Philippines' most wanted man though due to his still official membership in the MILF he was not hunted by the military.[4] However a warrant of arrest was filed against him together with other BIFF members by the Philippine National Police. The Armed Forces of the Philippines, with the MILF, launched Operation Darkhorse in a bid to arrest him in January 2014.
Ameril Umbra Kato | |
---|---|
Born | Amiril Umbra Kato 18 May 1946 Datu Piang, Maguindanao, Philippine Commonwealth |
Died | 14 April 2015 (aged 68) Guindulungan, Maguindanao, Philippines |
Occupation | Founder and leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters |
Allegiance | Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters |
Criminal charge | Multiple murder Attempted murder (9 counts) Frustrated murder Robbery (26 counts) Arson (10 counts)[1] |
Reward amount | ₱10,000,000.00[1] |
Wanted by | Philippine National Police[1] |
Kato reportedly died on 14 April 2015 of a heart attack. BIFF spokesperson Abu Misry Mama confirmed his death after he was informed by Kato's son that he died at 2:00 am due to complications from pneumonia. He was reported to have died in Barangay Kateman in Guindulungan, Maguindanao, but this was denied by the barangay chairman.[5][3]
References
- "PNP Nationwide Ten Most Wanted Person". Philippine National Police. Philippine National Police. Archived from the original on 10 February 2015. Retrieved 10 February 2015.
- Madrid, Red (14 April 2015). "Ameril Umbra Kato: Moro Rebel to Rogue". News Central Philippines. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
- Torres, Joe (14 April 2015). "Philippines rebel chief dies of heart attack". Manila: UCA News. Retrieved 14 April 2015.
- "AFP: Hardline Philippine rebel vows to derail peace". Google.com. 2011-08-28. Retrieved 2013-09-28.
- Andong, Lore Mae (14 April 2015). "BIFF confirms Kato's death; replacement named". ABS-CBN News Central Mindanao. Retrieved 14 April 2015.