Philippine Muslim faction rejects peace talksBy AP News Feb 05, 2011 8:45AM UTC
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Muslim rebel leaders say one of their guerrilla commanders has formed his own armed group and is rejecting peace talks to end the decades-long rebellion.
Murad Ebrahim, chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, disclosed Saturday that commander Ameril Umbra Kato has resigned as leader of a guerrilla unit and formed the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters composed of several hundred men.
Kato is wanted by the Philippine government for leading attacks on Christian communities that killed dozens of civilians in 2008 after the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional a preliminary peace accord.
Peace talks brokered by Malaysia are scheduled to resume next week in Kuala Lumpur.