Bishop Dela Peña hopes to see his priest soonest

By APD writer Melo M. Acuna

MANILA, Sep 17 (APD) – Bishop Edwin Angot Dela Peña of the Prelature of Marawi said he’s happy to receive the news of Fr. Teresito “Chito” Suganob’s rescue from the hands of the ISIS – inspired Maute Group in the battle-torn city.

“I am happy receiving messages about Fr. Chito’s rescue no matter how hazy and sketchy they are,” Bishop Dela Pena said in an overseas interview from Abu Dhabi International Airport.

He is on his way to this city after speaking before a congregation in Rome last Friday.

He spoke about the plight of internally-displaced residents and the continuing inter-religious dialogue among Muslims and Christians in his prelature.

He said no official report of Fr. Suganob’s rescue has reached him though he expressed delight learning of his priest’s condition.

Due to arrive Manila at about midnight tonight, he said his first agenda is to fly back to Mindanao and meet and talk to his priest.

It will be recalled Fr. Suganob was filmed appealing to the government to stop the military operations against the ISIS-inspired Maute Group which launched an assault on government and civilian facilities in Marawi City last May 23,2017.

Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Jesus Dureza first broke the news this morning that Fr. Suganob was rescued at about 11:00 P.M., Saturday in an area near Marawi City’s second biggest mosque in Bato District.

He, however, declined to give more information because of on-going military operations in the area with the hope of rescuing more civilian hostages.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana was earlier quoted saying the military operations in Marawi City would soon be over.

Related:

Priest in captivity rescued by Philippine troops

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)