Fr. Chito Soganub dies of cardiac arrest, 59

Fr. Teresito “Chito” Soganub, Maute hostage for nearly four months,

dies at age 59

MANILA – The Catholic priest, Fr. Teresito “Chito” Soganub, caught by the Maute group on May 23,2017, died this morning at his residence in Noralah, South Cotabato.

The Prelature of Marawi Bishop Edwin Angot dela Pena, said in his Facebook account that Fr. Soganub died of cardiac arrest in his sleep early this morning in his home in South Cotabato.

Bishop dela Pena said a medical doctor said Fr. Chito as he is called by friends, probably died between 5:00 – 6:00 A.M. Wednesday.

It will be recalled Fr. Chito was at the Cathedral Parish of Santa Maria Auxiliadora when the infamous Marawi siege began Tuesday, May 23. The group was reported to have been led by the Maute brothers and was assisted by Maguindanaoans, Tausugs and other tribes sympathetic to the ISIL-inspired militants’ cause.

Fr. Chito was held hostage for 117 days and was rescued by military troopers after they captured a mosque, a key enemy sanctuary. He was the vicar general of the prelature.

During the early hours of May 23,2017, Bishop dela Peña called on the Catholic faithful to pray for the safety of Fr. Soganub.

Bishop dela Peña said funeral arrangements are still being made as of this writing. (Melo M. Acuña)

Fr. Teresita "Chito" Soganub, presides over a concelebrated Mass at the Manila Cathedral for the persecuted Christians worldwide last November 28,2018. The celebration is known as Red Wednesday in memory of Christian martyrs and the persecuted Church worldwide. (File Photos/Melo M. Acuna)