Palace refrains from commenting on developments in Marawi

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said on Sunday Malacañang would refrain from making comments on the latest developments in the main battle area of Marawi City so the operations would not be jeopardized.

“As per guidance from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), we refrain from making comments on the latest developments in the main battle area of Marawi at this time; as ongoing operations may be jeopardized, as well as the lives of the remaining hostages, or soldiers in the frontlines,” Abella said in a statement.

The spokesman said they will provide information as soon as conditions on the ground allow them.

The statement was released following reports that Father Teresito “Chito” Soganub and another hostage have been rescued from the Islamic State-inspired Maute captors on Saturday night.

However, Rear Admiral Rene Medina, commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (Navforwem), and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza earlier confirmed the report. /je

READ: Priest abducted by Maute rescued by gov’t forces