MANILA, Philippines — Marawi Bishop Edwin dela Peña on Sunday expressed delight after learning about the rescue of Catholic priest Teresito “Chito” Suganob.
Dela Peña praised the Armed Forces of the Philippines for its efforts to rescue Suganob and other hostages held by the ISIS-inspired terror group, Maute, who besieged Marawi City for four months now.
“I am happy receiving messages about Fr. Chito’s rescue no matter how hazy they are,” a report from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines quoted Dela Peña.
Suganob escaped on Saturday evening after government forces reclaimed the mosque where the priest was being held captive since May 23.
It was Dela Peña who reported that the Maute torched the Cathedral of Our Lady Help of Christians in the city on the same day the diocese was supposed to be celebrating the feast of its patron saint.
He also said Suganob, a vicar general of the prelature of Marawi was taken hostage in an undisclosed location.
Dela Peña is reportedly on his way back to Manila from a congregation in Rome. He said his first agenda upon arrival is to visit Mindanao and meet Suganob. — Rosette Adel