Soldiers escort rescued civilians in a village on the outskirts of Marawi. Families trapped in the clashes have been asked to prepare flags made of white cloth to signal government troops for rescue. AFP, file
At least nine hostages held by the Islamic State-inspired Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups were rescued Tuesday from Marawi City.
Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera, spokesman of Joint Task Force Marawi, said the nine rescued confirmed that captive Catholic priest Teresito ‘Chito’ Suganob is alive and is among the hostages.
“This was the second time rescued civilian hostages confirmed Fr. Suganob is alive,” Herrera said.
At least seven civilians who were rescued during the ‘humanitarian pause’ earlier this week also yielded similar information about Suganob.
Herrera said the ISIS-inspired terrorists are still holding around 120 hostages.
The hostages rescued on Tuesday were identified as:
- Ariel Ansaw
- Ronie Albacete
- Lando Albacete
- Dilbert Macatulag
- Michael Ongos
- Mario Manggubat
- Jimboy Guinsayao
- Bryan Catipay
- Algin Generalao
He said the victims were given immediate medical assistance and went through testing for gunpowder residues.
The military official said government forces were exhausting measures to recover the civilian hostages from the Maute group.
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