Pastor executed by communist rebels in Philippines

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Seventh Day Adventist Church in the PhilippinesCommunist New People's Army (NPA) rebels in the Philippines have executed a Christian pastor whom they accused of aiding soldiers in anti-insurgency campaign in Mindanao, a regional Army spokesman said on July 30. Lt. Col. Kurt Decapia said soldiers had recovered the body of Josefino Estaniel (45), a pastor of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, from a shallow grave in Dalagdag village in Calinan district in Davao City. According to reports, the pastor, who had been kidnapped in May, had been subjected to torture during his captivity.

Pray for the family of Pastor Estaniel during this time of grief.  Pray for the safety of other church leaders in the region. There has been a sharp rise in attacks and threats on Christians, and especially church leaders, in recent weeks. On July 29, armed men stopped a mini-bus and murdered four Christian male passengers execution-style in Mindanao. A fifth passenger is still missing. Pray that he might be found alive and returned to his family.

Learn more about the persecution facing Christians in Philippines at our Philippines Country Report.

  • Country Information

    Population
    116,434,200 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Tagalog (26), Bisaya/Binisaya (14.3), Ilocano (8), Cebuano (8), Ilonggo (7.9), Bikol/Bicol (6.5), Waray (3.8), Kapampangan (3), other (22.5)

    Religion (%)
    Christianity (85.3), Islam (6.4), Other (8.2)

    Leader
    President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (2022)

    Government type
    Presidential republic

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system of civil, common, Islamic, and customary law

    Statistics provided by CIA World Factbook.

  • Pray for the Philippines

    Pray for those in the various villages of Mindanao who have been victimized by rebel groups. May they not pursue any form of retaliation, acknowledging that vengeance belongs to God alone – the Righteous Judge. Instead, may these believers be granted His grace and strength to not only forgive the perpetrators but to also earnestly intercede for them. Let's join our Christian brothers and sisters by pray

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Philippines News

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    Photo: Wikipedia / Provincial Government of
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    Translated from Latin by John Mason Neale

    For many who receive the weekly "Persecution & Prayer Alerts," Christmastime brings to mind the imagery of joyful family celebrations, the enjoyment of peaceful carol music and, most importantly, the celebration of God's gift to humanity, as expressed through the birth of His Son Jesus. It's a season involving Christmas pageants, festive lights, gift-giving, and meaningful worship services of celebration. While the specific traditions may vary among individual families and churches, the primary purpose remains the same for all believers: to remember and celebrate the arrival of the "Promised Messiah."

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