Manila: The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is ready to welcome back followers of renegade commander Ameril Ombra Kato, an official of the rebel group said.

"The door of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front [MILF] is still open to members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to return to the fold of the MILF," Mohammad Ameen, head of the MILF secretariat, said in a statement posted in the rebel group's website.

Reports on Saturday said Kato, 76, died on Wednesday after suffering a mild stroke. BIFF spokesman Abumisry Mama, however, said their leader is still alive, but could hardly speak.

"Dead or alive, Kato will have hard time leading his group, which requires both mental and physical capabilities," MILF's Ameen said. "Being a rebel is a lifetime vocation that knows no retirement."

The military's spokesman said Kato is clearly no longer able to lead his men. "We have confirmed he is seriously ill… He is incapable of leading the group. I hope members of Kato's group, whoever is leading it, will rethink their stand and resolve their differences with the MILF so the peace talks with the MILF will move forward," Colonel Arnulfo Burgos said in a Philippine Daily Inquirer report.

Military help

The military has offered to help Kato get medical treatment. "Our offer of a medical assistance is still standing," Burgos said.

Conflicting reports on the renegade commander's condition surfaced over the weekend.

MILF vice-chairman for political affairs Gadzali Jaafar said Kato was comatose, but has woke up and is "slowly recovering".

"It has been confirmed that he suffered from a stroke, was in a serious condition, in comatose for a while, and could not talk. However, half of his body was paralysed. He could not eat or talk."

Slow recovery

"A reliable source told us he is not dead and he is slowly recovering," Jaafar said. At the same time, MILF spokesperson Von Al Haq said that Kato's relatives and other civilians have confirmed his death.

"Most of the information says that he is already dead. This information is coming from civilians and his relatives who said they heard of his death, but they could not confirm if it's true," Al Haq said. Last August, Kato informed the MILF leaders that he and his 5,000 men were no longer with the MILF.