Philippine terrorists reportedly threaten to execute hostages

May 26, 2017

Islamic terrorists on Mindanao have reportedly threatened to begin killing the hostages they seized in the city of Marawi, if the government of the Philippines does not comply with their demand for an end to military action against their separatist movement.

According to local news reports on May 26, Bishop Edwin de la Pena of Marawi was contacted by the terrorists, and told that the hostages would be shot, one at a time, if the government did not respond favorably.

Earlier Bishop de la Pena said that he was not been in contact with the hostages’ captors. The bishop had expressed hope that intermediaries will convince the militant group Maute—also known as the Islamic State of Lanao—to release his vicar general and 14 other people who were taken hostage in the city’s cathedral. The bishop also reported that nine people had been killed in the same raid on the cathedral.

The violence broke out in Marawi after government troops raided the headquarters of an Islamic militant group. In reprisal, as many as 500 Islamic militants attacked Marawi. Maute now controls most of Marawi, with government troops setting up a perimeter outside the city.

 

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Further information:

• Marawi bishop remains hopeful of hostages’ safe return (CBCP)
• Christian hostages in Mindanao "will be human shields", says the Bishop (Fides)
• ISIS-linked militants ‘threaten to behead priest and churchgoers’ (Catholic Herald)
• Islamic militants attack cathedral on Mindanao, seize 15 hostages (CWN, 5/24)