Six Filipinos Killed for Confessing Christ

At least six Christians are dead, including an infant girl, and another five injured after suspected militant Muslims opened fire on a group of Christian families in the predominantly Muslim island of Jolo in the Philippines on February 2.  At least five gunmen, believed to be from the militant organization Abu Sayyaf, went door-to-door in the village of Patikul and asked the residents if they were Christians.  If the residents confessed faith in Christ, the militants opened fire.

Those killed were identified as Itting Pontilla (45), Emma Casipong (16), Melanie Patinga (9 months), Selma Patinga and Pedro Casipong.  Abu Sayyaf ("Bearer of the Sword") is a militant Muslim guerrilla organization associated with the al-Qaeda network and has been operating in the southern Philippines since 1991.  They have been blamed for a series of bombings, kidnappings and murders, mostly targeted at Christians and foreigners.

Ask the Lord to carry those who are grieving through this very dark time. Pray that the families and friends of Itting, Emma, baby Melanie, Selma, and Pedro will find comfort in the knowledge that their Saviour weeps with them and that the Holy Spirit is interceding for them. Pray that they will be strengthened by the knowledge that their loved ones are in the presence of the Lord. Pray that God will protect them from further attacks and that those responsible will be brought to justice.

  • 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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    The scene of the bombing.
    Photo: Wikipedia / Provincial Government of
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