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Philippines

  • Island Invasion Causes Massive Destruction and Loss

    In an area of the southern Philippines, Christians are suffering severe persecution at the hands of rebels who are determined to introduce Islamic law there. Those living on the island of Mindanao have been forced off their land, maliciously attacked and even killed. One bishop related how he had immediately evacuated his village when news came of an imminent raid. Terrified villagers hid behind rocks by the coast as they helplessly watched 300 rebels invade the island by boat from other islands. On their return to the village, they discovered that a family of five (that of a church elder) had not managed to escape and had been brutally murdered, including their baby. Homes and other property had been destroyed.

    Even though political negotiations are presently taking place between the Filipino government and Muslim leaders about the creation of a new semi-autonomous region, the rebels are operating as if Islamic law is already in effect. Just this past October, a preliminary peace accord was signed agreeing to the formation of the Bangsamoro region in 2016. Yet it's possible that a final accord could be officiated by the end of the year. Christians fear this action will only intensify the persecution, thus forcing them completely out of the area in the very near future. Already attacks on their property are common occurrences and several of their churches have been stoned or burned down. For an overview and past VOM reports, check the Philippines Country Report.

    Pray that the Lord will mightily intervene on behalf of this victimized Christian community, bringing greatly needed protection and aid, as well as the 'peace that transcends all understanding.' May He heal their bodies, renew their minds, restore their community and build their faith so they can stand firm amid this persecution. Concerning their political situation, pray that the government negotiations will safeguard their rights as a community.
  • Church elder killed in Mindanao

    MacArthur Arbado, an elder at the Bible Baptist Church in Carmen, Cotabato, was murdered on November 10 as he returned to his farm. The attackers shot him in the leg, back and abdomen before decapitating him with his own machete. MacArthur leaves behind his wife, Lolita, and 13 children.

    Although his farm was surrounded by land owned by Muslims, he had a good relationship with his neighbours. He learned to speak their language and was called "uncle" by many. Often his Muslim friends tried to convert him to Islam, but he stood firm in his faith and talked with them about Christianity. MacArthur's killers are thought to be members of a separatist Muslim group in the area. VOM has met with MacArthur's family and provided some assistance.

    Please pray that God will comfort Lolita, her children, and the church. Pray that, as sufferings overflow, their comfort in Christ will be more than enough for them (2 Corinthians 1:5). Pray that the perpetrators of this attack will repent and turn to Jesus Christ.

    To learn more about persecution in the Philippines, please visit the Philippines Country Report.
  • Christian killed

    250 Christian families were forced from their
    homes to this refugee camp in recent years.

    A Christian man, Clarito dela Cruz, was recently murdered by Muslims in the region of Mindanao in the Philippines. On July 26, a Muslim couple pretending to be husband and wife hired Clarito to drive them to a remote village near the town of Linamon. It is then believed that the couple, likely assisted by a companion, tortured and strangled Clarito with an electrical wire. They also shot him twice and stole his motorbike, which belonged to his father-in-law and was the family's means of earning a living. He leaves behind a wife named Leodel, who is pregnant, and their 3-year-old son. Clarito's parents oversee their church's evangelism program, and his pastor told a VOM worker that Muslims in the area had tried to convert church members to Islam. Muslims attacked Christians in Linamon several years ago, burning homes and stealing livestock.

    Pray that Clarito's loved ones will find strength, courage and peace in Christ as they grieve his loss. Pray for special provision for his wife and children as they face life without him. Pray that God will continue to embolden Christians in the Philippines to be imitators of Christ and his steadfast faithfulness at great cost (1 Corinthians 11:1).

    For more on those living as cross-bearing disciples in the Philippines, go to the Philippines Country Report.
  • Church bombed during Christmas Mass

    Photo from AsiaNews

    A bomb exploded in the Chapel of the Sacred Heart in Mindanao, Philippines, during Mass on the morning of December 25. The blast blew out the chapel's roof and wounded 11 people. Authorities are still trying to identify those responsible for the attack, but police suspect it is the work of the Islamist group Abu Sayyaf, which allegedly is connected to al-Qaida and Indonesia-based militant group Jemaah Islamiyah.

    Pray for those injured in this attack. Pray for the church members as they recover and rebuild from this tragic incident. Pray that Christians in the Philippines will demonstrate the love of God through consistent love and prayer for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:43-48).

    To learn more about the opposition facing Christians in the Philippines, visit thePhilippines Country Report.
  • Update: Kidnapped priest released

    Michael Sinnott (79), a priest from Ireland who was abducted by armed men on October 11 in the city of Pagadian, Philippines (click here to read more) was set free before dawn on November 12 by the chief peace negotiator of the rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The kidnappers, whom Sinnott believes are not members of MILF, reportedly did not receive the $2 million USD ransom they had earlier demanded. Sinnott has stated that he was not seriously harmed by his kidnappers. He plans to resume his ministry in Pagadian, which includes assisting children and youth with special needs and advocating for peace through interreligious dialogue with an interfaith group. (Source: Union of Catholic Asian News)

    Thank the Lord that Michael Sinnott has been released unharmed. Pray for the salvation of those who kidnapped him.

    Click here to learn more about the opposition facing Christians in the Philippines.
  • Update: Kidnappers demand ransom for priest


    Screenshot from video
    footage of Michael Sinnott

    On October 10, Michael Sinnott, a 79-year-old priest from Ireland, was abducted by six armed men in the city of Pagadian near Zamboanga (Mindanao), Philippines as he was conducting evening prayers in his home (click here for more information). Last week we reported that he was able to receive medication for his heart problems. This week, his kidnappers, who many believe are members of a rogue element of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, released video footage of the priest and demanded a $2 million (USD) ransom.

    There continue to be grave concerns for Sinnott's health and safety. Please remember him in your prayers and pray for his release.

    Click hereto learn more about the opposition of Christians in the Philippines.
  • Update: Kidnapped priest alive but ailing

    On October 10, Michael Sinnott, a 79-year-old priest from Ireland, was abducted by six armed men in the city of Pagadian near Zamboanga (Mindanao), Philippines as he was conducting evening prayers in his home (click here for more information). While the identities of his abductors remain unknown, authorities have been able to make contact with them and have been assured that the priest is alive but ailing. Medicines for Sinnott, who suffers from heart problems, were sent by a local church through an emissary and confirmation was received that he had obtained them. In July, Sinnott underwent a quadruple bypass. Pray that negotiations for his release will be successful.

    Click here to learn more about the opposition facing Christians in the Philippines.
  • Elderly priest kidnapped

    Michael Sinnott, a 79-year-old priest from Ireland, was abducted by six armed men on October 10 in the city of Pagadian near Zamboanga (Mindanao), Philippines as he was conducting evening prayers in his home. Although no group has yet claimed responsibility for his kidnapping, an Islamist group, Moro Islamic Liberation Front, is the main suspect. There is great concern over the condition of Father Sinnott, who is known to be in frail health. According to reports, Filipino military informants spotted him and his captors on October 12 in Lanao del Sur province, some 70 kilometres from where he was abducted and then again in another location the following day. Father Sinnott has been serving in the Philippines for the past 40 years.

    Pray that Father Sinnott's captors will release him unharmed. Pray for his health during this time of trial.

    For more information on the persecution facing Christians in southern Philippines,click here.
  • Priest slain by unknown assailants

    Father Cecilio Lucero (48) was shot and killed by unknown assailants in the region of Northern Samar, Philippines on September 6. At approximately 8:30 a.m., the priest was ambushed by a group of armed men while driving his car. He was shot several times and died instantly. The two other men in the car were seriously injured.

    Father Lucero was the pastor of St. Joseph Church in the town of Catubig and was well known for his social work as the director of the Social Action Center of the Diocese of Catarman. According to a local bishop, Lucero had asked for police protection after he began receiving death threats by mail in February because of his activities.

    Thank the Lord for the faithful life and work of Father Lucero. Pray that those who mourn his death will find strength, comfort and peace in Christ. Pray that God will continue to raise up cross-bearing disciples in the Philippines who are willing to remain faithful to Him at all cost (1 Corinthians 4:9-14, 16).

    Learn more about the opposition facing Christians in regions of the Philippines.
  • Update: Kidnapped man released

    Ernan Chavez, who was taken hostage by Muslim rebels in the village of Sitio Arco, Basilan province, Philippines (read the details), was released on April 20 after nearly two weeks in captivity. Chavez was among nine villagers taken, two of whom were killed. Chavez was released in the town of Al-barka after his family paid the captors a ransom amount of P50,000 (approximately $1,220 CAD).

    Learn moreabout the opposition facing Christians in the Philippines.

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