Marawi Bishop Edwin Dela Peña urged the government yesterday to prioritize the safety of the hostages in its looming “final assault” against Islamic state-inspired Maute group in Marawi City.
In an interview in Church-run Radyo Veritas, Dela Peña said the military must avoid any actions, which will endanger the lives of the Maute’s remaining hostages.
“An indiscriminate assault (against Maute)…that is not acceptable for me since some of the hostage may become collateral damage,” Dela Peña said.
He called on other groups to also join protest against such attacks.
“I call on all Christians to come out with their similar opposition to this plan (of the military),” said Dela Peña. (Samuel Medenilla)