LOOK: Ex-Marawi hostage Fr. Soganub officiates Mass a week after rescue

Marawi priest Fr. Chito Soganub concelebrates Mass at Camp Aguinaldo on Sunday, a week after he was rescued by government forces from almost four months of captivity. /JOINT TASK FORCE RANAO

Former Maute captive Fr. Chito Soganub held his first Mass at Camp Aguinaldo on Sunday, a week after he was rescued by government forces from the IS-linked Maute Terrorist Group in Marawi City.

This was the first time he celebrated Mass after being held captive by the terrorists for almost four months, said Joint Task Force Ranao deputy commander Col. Romeo Brawner Jr.

Around 40 military personnel and civilians attended the Mass.

“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,” Brawner said.

At the same time, it was also a thanksgiving for the rescued civilians. Brawner said a total of 1,730 people have been rescued by the government forces and other government agencies since May 23.

Soganub was among the dozens abducted by the terrorist group four months ago when the fighters laid siege in Marawi City. The priest was rescued last week as government forces tried to recapture the Bato Mosque, one of the command centers of the Maute Group. /je