Photo courtesy of NDBC News
COTABATO CITY –– Almost three years after surviving the Marawi siege as a hostage of Islamic State (IS) terrorists for 117 days, Catholic priest Teresito Soganub died of cardiac arrest Wednesday morning, Marawi Bishop Edwin dela Peña said.
“It is with great sadness that we make this announcement on behalf of the prelature of Marawi,” Bishop dela Peña said in a social media post.
“Our dearly beloved Fr. Teresito Soganub died of cardiac arrest this morning, July 22, 2020, in his home in Norala, South Cotabato,” Bishop dela Peña said.
“The doctor estimated his death between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m., please include him in your prayers,” he added.
Known as Father Chito to many, and Father Tisoy among fellow religious, Soganub had been on leave from his priestly duties to give him time to heal from the trauma of his ordeal.
“I am still a priest but no specific assignment,” he told the Inquirer last month in an interview.
“I really want to return to Marawi but Bishop dela Peña advised me to continue my healing process,” he added.
Soganub, 59, was staying with family and relatives in Norala, South Cotabato, and regularly reported to the Diocese of Marbel.
He also travels around Mindanao to pursue his peace advocacy. At the time of his death, Soganub is chair of the board of Iligan City-based peacebuilding group Pakigdait (meaning Solidarity).