Abducted priest appeals to Duterte, Marawi bishop asks gov't to buy time

KORONADAL CITY –- Marawi Bishop Edwin dela Pena has asked President Duterte to consider the demand aired by Maute armed group sent through a video of abducted Fr. Teresito Chito Suganob.Speaking over Church-run Radio DXOM-AM, Bishop dela Pena asked the military to buy time and not necessarily to give in to the demands. In a 5-minute video believed to be recorded through a mobile phone, Fr. Suganob, vicar general of the vicariate of St. Mary, was seen appealing to President Duterte to halt military air strikes, pull out of military forces and a stop to offensives in Marawi City.Suganob was taken hostage by the armed men along with a lady professor of Mindanao State University, two lady Church workers, two male teachers of Dansalan College and 5 female teachers of Dansalan College.He said also held hostage were about 200 carpenters, house helpers, children and youth and ordinary Christian settlers.The military listed only 15 captives since May 23, including Fr. Suganob. Bishop dela Pena said with the demand already in the internet, the decision is in the hands of President Duterte. It’s in the hands of the President, he said, adding that he is asking the President to buy time. (Just) to buy time, not necessarily to give in to the demand, kung pwede sana itigil muna…the terrorists are trying to relocate, he said. There may be other means to address the problem that will not endanger the lives of the hostages, I hope President Duterte will have listening ears, he said. (Edwin O. Fernandez)