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.
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 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 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
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
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
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
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. 
Population
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