WATCH: Catholic priest taken hostage by Maute group has an appeal to President Duterte

A catholic priest who was kidnapped along with other civilians by the Maute group in Marawi city has appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to stop the military offensive against their abductors in order to save the lives of the hostages and to stop the further destruction in the place.

In a video message, Fr. Teresito "Chito" Suganod, vicar general of the Prelature of  Saint Mary in Marawi, asked President Duterte to consider the hostages who wanted to live.

He said that his fellow hostages include a female professor of Mindanao State University, two lady church workers, seven Dansalan College teachers, and about 200 other people.

"Mr. President, we are in the midst of this war. We are asking your help to please give what your enemies are asking for. They simply are not asking for anything just to withdraw your forces away from Lanao Del Sur and Marawi city and to stop the airstrikes, your air attacks and the cannons."

"Mr, President, from our heart please consider us. You know it's hard Mr. President, from time to time we heard burst of gunfires from the ground of your enemies, heavy firearms from your side. It's hard."

"Mr. President, they do not ask for anything. They just ask that you leave this place peacefully. Do not give so much attack. The city in my background is ruined liked this."

"And Mr, President, if you are in our place, you will really consider us because you hear the outburst of gunfires and everything , bombs, cannons. We are victims."

"And Mr. President, if you have a good heart for us considering. Mr. President, there are about 240 prisoners of wars. We are asking your good heart. Please consider us. We want to live another day, we want to live another month, we want to live few years, and in your generosity. Mr. President, in your heart, we know you can make something. They don’t ask anything, Mr. President. After all, this is their place. Give them the time.”

"And Mr, President, do not use violence because your enemies are ready to die for their religion. They are ready to die that their laws will be followed in this place."

"Mr. President, we are asking for your consideration."

Watch the full video here:

Source: Datumasa Khalid