Cardinal Tagle seeks prayers for Marawi, Resorts World casualties

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle. (Photo: Archdiocese of Manila – Office of Communications/Facebook)

MANILA — Catholic priests in the Archdiocese of Manila have been asked to pray for the victims of the clashes in Marawi City and the attack in Resorts World Manila in Pasay City.

In an interview over Church-run Radio Veritas, Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle called on members of the clergy to pray also for the families of those who perished in the unfortunate incidents in Mindanao last week and in Metro Manila early Friday.

“Dear Brother priests, from Friday until Pentecost Sunday please include in our parish masses and holy hour devotion the victims of the conflict in Marawi and Resorts World Manila, their families and the safety of our communities,” he said.

According to reports, the number of casualties in the conflict between government forces and the terrorist Maute Group in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur has reached 175 since clashes began last May 23.

On the other hand, about 38 people, including the lone perpetrator, perished in the Resorts World incident where a man armed with a rifle barged into the luxury casino hotel, and torched gaming tables before setting himself on fire. According to authorities, all the victims except for the gunman, died of suffocation due to the fire.