AFP verifying rescue of Father Suganob

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has yet to confirm the rescue of Father Teresito "Chito" Suganob, the parish priest who was taken as one of the hostages by the Maute terror group since they launched attack in Marawi City on May 23.

AFP chief of the Public Affairs Office ( PAO) Edgard Arevalo said they are still validating if Suganob was among the two hostages who were rescued by the government troops on Saturday ev en i n g.

"We are still validating that information. As of now, we cannot still give details. The rescue operation is still ongoing," Arevalo said.

Presidential adviser to the peace process Jesu s Dureza said on Facebook the supposed safe rescue of Suganob and another hostage near Bato Mosque.

He said the report came from from his staff based in Iligan Ci t y.

The military had said bandits held their hostages in Bato Mosque; however, the AFP said they have already took over the mosque from the enem y.

Suganob was the vicar general of the Cathedral of Our Lady Help of Christians who was abducted along with the people inside the said church when the islamic state inspired group attacked the city.

After a week of being hostaged, Suganob's video made it round online where he was pleading for the government, particularly President Rodrigo Duterte help to spare their lives. (By Third Anne Per al t aMalonzo/ AP)