MANILA — Marawi Bishop Edwin dela Pena slammed the reported plans of the Maute group to use their hostages as suicide bombers against government forces.
“Horrible! Kasuklam-suklam! Desperate na talaga ang mga terrorists kaya ginawa nila itong banta,” Dela Pena said in a text message sent to reporters on Tuesday.
The Catholic prelate added, “Alam nilang nakakasuklam talaga itong huling hamon nila kaya umaasa silang pakikinggan sila ng gobyerno.”
With this, Dela Peña is praying for the release of all hostages including Catholic priest Chito Suganob.
“On this Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we invoke her intercession for the release of all hostages including Fr. Chito (Suganob),” he added.
Three hostages who were able to escape in Marawi City revealed the group’s sinister plan of the terrorist group to strap improvised explosive devices to hostages.
Some 46 people are still held captive by the ISIS-inspired organization. (PNA)