MANILA, Philippines ? The Philippines' largest Muslim rebel group criticized a breakaway commander on Sunday for threatening U.S. troops in the country's volatile south.
Moro Islamic Liberation Front information officer Khaled Musa said radical commander Ameril Umbra Kato, who recently broke off with about 200 fighters from the rebel group, could face trouble for issuing such threats.
Philippine officials have expressed deep concern that the rebel infighting could affect ongoing peace talks.
Kato maintains his base in part of his former rebel group's vast mountainous strongholds in southern Maguindanao province. He has warned he would target his former comrades, Philippine troops and U.S. military personnel if they attack his jungle encampment.
U.S. troops have been providing training, weapons and intelligence to Filipino soldiers battling al-Qaida-linked militants in the southern Philippines since 2002. But they are barred from actual combat.
U.S. military officials have not issued any reaction to Kato's threats. U.S. special forces and Philippine troops began two weeks of joint military training in Maguindanao, a violent area about 590 miles (950 kilometers) southeast of Manila, on Aug. 29.
"Whoever dares a superpower will make news headlines," Musa said in a statement posted in the main rebel group's website. He said Kato could get in trouble "when that superpower starts to use its vast power against him."
"He loves limelight and the flare of cameras," Musa said, adding that Kato talks "without using his head."
Kato split from his former group to protest its talks with the government which he said have gone nowhere. He also accused rebel leaders of involvement in kidnappings and drug trafficking.
The 11,000-strong main rebel group officially ousted Kato after failing to woo him and his men back. In an Aug. 19 letter Kato said he has formed a new group called the Bangsamoro Islamic Liberation Movement to fight for Muslim self-rule.
The main Moro group has said it remains open to Kato's return but warned him to stop accusations that undermine the rebel organization.
Kato, who is in his 60s, has been sought by Philippine troops for allegedly launching attacks on Christian communities in 2008.
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