Claretian Fr. Bernardo Blanco, a 97-year-old Spanish missionary who survived a harrowing abduction by Abu Sayyaf extremists in Mindanao, has passed away.

His death was announced by his congregation a day after more than a thousand Catholic priests, nuns, and lay leaders attended the premiere of In Thy Name, a film recounting the 2000 abduction and murder of fellow Claretian priest, Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, at the hands of Abu Sayyaf.

Blanco died at Diliman Doctors Hospital, according to the Claretians.

“We humbly ask you to remember him in your prayers,” the Claretian community in UP Village, Quezon City, said in a statement.

Blanco arrived in the Philippines in February 1997 and was first assigned to Bolong, Zamboanga City, where he dedicated himself to youth ministry and promoting devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He later served as the parish priest of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Maluso, Basilan, ministering to both Christian and Muslim communities.

In 1993, Blanco was kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf militants and endured 49 days in captivity before managing to escape.

“His resilience and faith during this ordeal were widely acknowledged,” the congregation stated.

“Fr. Bernardo Blanco, CMF, faced expulsion and abduction, yet he remained unwavering in his missionary commitment,” the Claretian group added.

While Fr. Blanco survived his ordeal, Fr. Rhoel Gallardo suffered extreme brutality during his 44 days of captivity. He endured relentless beatings, and his captors inflicted further agony by pulling out his fingernails and toenails.

As the Philippine military pursued Abu Sayyaf to rescue Gallardo and other hostages—including teachers and schoolchildren abducted from Tumahubong Elementary School in Basilan—Gallardo was shot and killed by his captors