Thursday, August 14, 2008 MILF denies having 30 war casualties By Malu Cadelina Manar Correspondent
KIDAPAWAN CITY -- A top field commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) operating in Sultan Kudarat refuted military reports that rebels killed in three-day armed fighting in nearby North Cotabato numbered to more than 30.
"Figures from other sources have even reached 40. It cannot happen, in all probability," said Commander Adan Abdullah of the 105th Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (Biaf) of the MILF.
Adan, citing data from the 105th Biaf, said of the thousands "mujahideens" (Moro fighters) sent to do battle in North Cotabato, only two died and three were wounded. One fighter died in Aleosan and the other in Pikit.
"They were hit by a helicopter gunship or military's air attack. But on ground, no, none was killed or injured," Adan said.
According to reports, at least 40 MILF rebels died after government troops intensified their clearing operations in Aleosan, Midsayap, and Pikit towns, areas believed to have been occupied by what Press Secretary Jess Dureza tagged as rogue MILF rebels led by 105th Biaf commander Umbra Kato.
Lieutenant General Cardoso Luna, vice chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said seven of the 15 occupied villages in North Cotabato were already cleared of MILF rebels.
Adan, however, denied such claims.
"They are just there. If they will be attacked by the military, they will fight back," he said.
Adan knows Kato as someone who is "so strong" that would not easily give up.
"Matapang siyang tao.'Di yan basta-basta nagpapatalo. Kung aabutan sila ng military, lalaban sila (Kato is a tough guy. If attacked, they will fight back)," Adan said.
But Kato, according to Adan, sometimes shows his "insolence" or "defiance" when given orders by the central leadership.
He, however, denied the attack in North Cotabato was without the "blessings" of top leadership.
"We are given strict orders that when attacked, we must fight or defend our territories," he said.
Kato's territory covers the Liguasan marsh, including North Cotabato and Maguindanao, while Adan's covers Sultan Kudarat and portions of Sarangani Province.
