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 more about the opposition facing Christians in the Philippines.
Population
110,818,325 (July 2021 est.)
Ethnicity (%)
Tagalog (24.4), Bisaya/Binisaya (11.4), Cebuano (9.9), Ilocano (8.8), Hiligaynon/Ilonggo (8.4), Bikol/Bicol (6.8), Waray (4), other (26.2)
Religion (%)
Christianity (85.6), Islam (6), Other (7.4)
Leader
President Rodrigo Duterte (2016)
Government type
Presidential republic
Legal system
Mixed legal system of civil, common, Islamic, and customary law
Statistics provided by CIA World Factbook.
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 praying for a mighty outpouring of God's love and power to take place, compelling many more to seek repentance and salvation, for only then can His righteousness and justice truly prevail.
Coordinated bombs at a cathedral in Jolo, southern Philippines, killed at least 20 people and injured over 80 on January 27th. The first bomb went off during the church service; the second exploded outside the door, as people fled and troops responded to the disaster. Those killed included five sold
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After a full three months of fighting, the Armed Forces of the Philippines are now in control of all but a half-kilometre grid square of Marawi city. To date, the battle has claimed the lives of 573 militants, 128 soldiers and police, and at least 45 civilians. The progress has been slowed and compli
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Photo: Open Doors USA
In the Philippines, one girl has stood firm for her Christian faith despite her young age. Not too long after accepting Christ, Jen-Jen began to experience pressure from adult authority figures, one of whom was a schoolteacher with militant views. One day, the teacher announced
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Nine Christian civilians were reportedly shot dead at a militant-run checkpoint in the besieged city of Marawi in the southern Philippines on May 23rd. Sources report that local residents identified the nine who were slain as Christians, explaining that the victims had been pulled from a truck and t
