Fr. Chito Soganub, who survived Maute capture, dies at 59

Father Teresito “Chito” Soganub, a Catholic priest who survived being taken hostage for 117 days by the Maute terrorist group in 2017, died on Wednesday, July 22 at the age of 59.

In a report on CBCP News, Bishop Edwin Dela Peña of Marawi said Soganub suffered cardiac arrest in his sleep at his residence in Noralah, South Cotabato, with doctors estimating his time of death at between 5 am to 6 am.

“It is with sadness that we make this announcement in behalf of the Prelature of Marawi,” Bishop Dela Peña said. “Please include him in your prayers.”

Soganub was once held by members of the Maute group during the Marawi siege in 2017. He was rescued when military forces were able to recapture the Bato Mosque, a key enemy stronghold at the time.

Soganub was then the vicar general, or right-hand man, of the Marawi bishop and one of the 9 priests who served the 40-year-old Prelature of Marawi, the grouping of Catholics in Lanao del Sur.

The Prelature is also part of Lanao del Norte, where only 4.6% of the population belong to the Catholic Church. 

Soganub’s church, the Cathedral of Maria Auxiliadora, also known as Mary Help of Christians, is named after an ancient title of the Virgin Mary. – Rappler.com