Kidnapped Philippine priest appears in new video begging Philippine President to back off terrorists

By Abigail James (CALIFORNIA NETWORK)
5/30/2017 (2 years ago)
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)

ISIS-aligned terrorists, Maute, kidnapped Philippine priest, Father Teresito "Chito" Suganob last Tuesday when they attacked Marawi.

Father Chito was kidnapped a week ago, along with at least a dozen of his worshipers.

Highlights

By Abigail James (CALIFORNIA NETWORK)
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
5/30/2017 (2 years ago)

Published in Asia Pacific

Keywords: Philippines, Marawi, ISIS, Islamic State, Kidnapped priest, Father Chito, Fr Chito, Chito, Philippine Priest, Filipino

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LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Fr. Chito has now appeared in a video pleading Philippine President Duterte to think of him and the other hostages and listen to the terrorists' demands.

"Mr. President, please consider us," Fr Chito says. "They don't ask for anything... they just ask that you leave this place peacefully."

According to Fr. Chito, the terrorists are demanding the Philippine government back off, or they will execute the hostages. Along with Fr. Chito there are about 240 more captives, including women and children.

Although it is unclear when the video was taken, the identity of Fr. Chito was confirmed, and he is standing before destroyed homes, according to CBCP News, the official news service of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.

"Mr. President, you can't use force and violence because they have the commitment they will die for this," expressed Fr. Chito explaining they are ready to die for their religion.

Fr. Chito and his worshipers were kidnapped as a response to the military raid on an Islamist commander Isnilon Hapilon's hideout. The attacks on Marawi included the burning of houses, churches and businesses, violent attacks against police and the raising of ISIS flags.

"Mr. President, if you want me to kneel before you just to knock your heart in favour of our families who are crying out there in different places, for our relatives..." stated Fr. Chito. "We will do that."

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