Fr. Chito recalls ordeal in hands of IS in Marawi City
NORALA, South Cotabato – Fr. Teresito Soganub, a
heavily bearded Roman Catholic priest, spoke in between sobs and misty eyes
when he recalled his 116 days ordeal in the hands of terrorists in Marawi City.
Staring far as he talked to the and//www.ndbcnews.com.ph www.ndbcnews.com.ph , Fr. Chito
as he is more known, said his stint in the hands of Maute and Abu Sayyaf
terrorists can be described in two words – God’s will.
I and other hostages faced death every day, every
minute, every second, Fr. Chito said, holding his graying beard.
I told my self Chito you’ll die any minute, he
said. And I ask God If I die I desire it to be quick so I will not suffer the
pain.
But death did not come. So here I am celebrating
life, he said as people kept coming to his ancestral home here since Monday.
It’s like fiesta here, I am now like a celebrity,
many people see me now like ‘Probinsyano’ actor because I survived a sure-death
journey, he said, referring to Coco Martin of the popular TV series. Ganito
pala pag sikat ka, he said in jest.
Welcome tarpaulins, streamers greeted Fr. Chito here
as he arrived from Gen. Santos City airport. My town mates celebrated my new life and I am grateful for their warm
welcome.
A motorcade around town was held for him sponsored
by the local government followed by a thanksgiving mass at the municipal
gymnasium.
He said after his freedom on Sept. 16 and wherever
he goes people wanted to touch me, wanted to have photos with me because they
said I am blessed since I miraculously survived from the hands of IS inspired
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