Military stresses priest, teacher were rescued, not escaped in Marawi

September 20, 2017

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) maintains that Father Teresito “Chito” Soganub and the teacher were rescued by the government forces in Marawi.

Amid reports that Soganub and the teacher were not rescued by the military, Col. Edgard Arevalo, AFP Public Affairs Office Chief,  reiterates that the hostages were not aware they were being rescued during the time of the operation.

Arevalo emphasized the matter after Marawi Bishop Edwin Dela Pena said according to Soganub, he and the teacher who were rescued last Saturday in Marawi City were able to escape and not rescued by the government forces as claimed by the AFP.

“About what has been mentioned yesterday that the good father was able to escape and was not rescued, it’s okay. We said that we understand Bishop Dela Pena who relate the understanding of Fr. Chito because the rescue operation that happened is not known even to Fr. Chito himself, “ he said.

“That is why we respect (it) if that was the perception that he has,” Arevalo added.

Arevalo revealed that their rescue was made possible with the help of a military intelligence asset within the Maute group.

“What we are saying is that the fact he was able to leave there, guided by one of the assets of the intelligence service, he reached the area where he meet the predetermined soldiers or personnel. (This) is already a manifestation that it is a grand intelligence properly planned and well executed combat operation as planned,” Arevalo said.

“(AFP Chief of Staff) Gen. (Eduardo) Ano also it’s a product of an intricate intelligence combat operations but at the end of the day we do not want to delve any further on that issue if it’s a rescue or escape, we already said our piece. What makes us happy is the safety of Fr. Chito and Mr. (Lordvin) Ocopio… to us that what matters the most,” he added. Robina Asido/DMS