CBCP ‘Agrees’ on Maute Offer to Release Hostage Priest in Exchange of Maute Parents

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) apparently agrees with reports saying that the Maute Group allegedly offered the release of hostage priest, Fr. Chito Suganob in exchange for the freedom of the Maute parents. The said priest was abducted on May 24, along with some churchgoers in St. Mary’s Cathedral in Marawi City.

“It’s a very sensitive matter. Let’s leave it to the government and Fr. Chito’s bishop to decide on the matter. But if his release will cause the Maute parents to be released too, then we are happy to agree. Our only wish is for the safe release of the hostages,” the CBCP said in a statement via its public affairs committee, released this Tuesday, June 27.

In an Inquirer news report earlier this Tuesday, eight Muslim leaders were said to have met with Abdullah Maute last Sunday, when the military forces made an 8-hour ceasefire to allow Marawi residents to celebrate the Muslim feast of Eid al-Fitr. Based on the report, the Maute leader offered the release of Fr. Chito Suganob in exchange of his parents.

In the same meeting, Abdullah Maute also allegedly said that he and his men are willing to leave Marawi if the members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will not intervene with the war against them. However, the terrorist group leader reportedly emphasized that if their demands will be declined, then they will fight until the last drop of their blood.

Cayamora Maute, the father of the Maute brothers Omar and Abdullah, was arrested at a checkpoint in Toril, Davao City last June 6, along with four other individuals. On the other hand, Farhana Maute, mother, was arrested three days later, in Masiu, Lanao Del Sur, along with seven other women. Confiscated with her are some firearms and explosives.

Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella reiterated that the government is still consistent with its policy that it will never negotiate with terrorists. In his press briefing in Malacanang this Tuesday afternoon, he said that “the talks led by local religious leaders with the terrorists last Sunday is one that was not sanctioned by the government.”

Contributed by Renato Pasayao / philnewscourier