Late priest Soganub part of efforts to build peace in Mindanao —Galvez

Father Teresito "Chito” Soganub was part of the government’s collective efforts to build long-lasting peace in Mindanao, especially in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said Thursday.

The priest, who was abducted for 117 days by the Maute group during the Marawi siege in 2017, passed away on Wednesday.

In his tribute, Galvez said that Soganub was the “epitome of spiritual strength amid chaos.”

“[T]he country and the world has lost a peacebuilder in the person of Fr. Chito…His selfless contribution to peacebuilding in Mindanao, especially in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur, will forever be etched in our hearts,” Galvez said.

“His work was part of our collective effort to bring just and long-lasting peace in Mindanao, particularly in Lanao del Sur, through the Bangsamoro Peace Process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front,” he later added.

During his captivity, Soganub was forced to do things against his will such as build explosives. He was later rescued by government troops near the Bato Mosque.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process extended their condolences to the late priest's friends and family.

Soganub will be laid to rest on August 3. — Joahna Lei Casilao/BM, GMA News