Fr. Chito holds mass in Camp Aguinaldo

FILE: Soganub was held hostage by the terrorists from May 23 up to his rescue last Sept. 16.(Facebook photo)

MANILA — Father Teresito “Chito” Soganub, the Catholic priest recently rescued from the clutches of the Maute Group terrorists, held a thankgiving mass at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) headquarters, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Sunday.

Around 40 military and civilian personnel attended the mass, said Joint Task Force Ranao deputy commander Col. Romeo Brawner.

“It was a great celebration of life for Father Chito whose personal safety was placed in danger because of the fierce gun battle that is happening in Marawi City. According to Father Chito, the mass was also a thanksgiving for the lives of those who were rescued,” he added.

Soganub was held hostage by the terrorists from May 23 up to his rescue last Sept. 16.

To date, a total of 1,730 people have been rescued by the government forces and other government agencies since fighting began after a foiled attempt to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and his cohorts.

“Father Chito is praying that he will be able to hear mass again at the St. Mary’s Cathedral in Marawi City once the firefight is over and the area is cleared of improvised explosive devices that were laid by the terrorists,” Brawner said. (PNA)