[Reuters] Philippine troops rescued a Catholic priest held captive for almost four months by Maute militants after an offensive that captured a stronghold of the militants in southern Marawi City. Marawi's vicar-general Father Teresito "Chito" Soganub was kidnapped along with other Christians as rebels rampaged through the city on May 23, burning churches and schools, releasing prisoners and seizing arms in a well-planned attack.Soganub, flanked by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and military chief General Eduardo Ano, appeared to be in good health and high spirits when he was presented to the media in Manila. Lorenzana told a media briefing in Manila, "Our troops gained the upper hand, the terrorists were forced to withdraw to nearby structures on the periphery of the mosque," referring to the Bato mosque held by the rebels for 117 days.
Soganub made an appearance under duress in a propaganda video about a week after his capture, urging the government to stop the military operation in Marawi in exchange for sparing lives of hostages. The priest was among dozens held by rebels at the Bato mosque, which soldiers captured on Saturday afternoon. He was rescued along with another hostage, Lordvin Ocopio.
Military chief Ano said about ten foreigners were still in the battle among some 50-60 militants, who were holding 45-50 hostages.