(Reading time: 1 - 2 minutes)

Photo: Flickr / fveronesi1

On June 1st, approximately 160 Christians were forced to flee their villages after they were attacked by Muslim extremists. The villages of Malipayon, Saban of Barnagay, Maybula and New Bunawan were attacked at about 9 a.m. that Saturday. An estimated 300 armed men fired more than five mortars in an attempt to cause harm to the unsuspecting residents of these communities.

The Christians who fled the attacks are now in need of food, mosquito nets, bed sheets, sleeping mats and medicine. Many have become ill because they weren't able to take their bedding or medications with them while fleeing the attacks. These persecuted Christians are currently unable to return to their villages because they fear the militant Muslims will kill them and burn down their homes. VOM has provided these suffering believers basic necessities such as food, mosquito nets, blankets and medicine. For more information on the difficulties facing persecuted Christians in the Philippines, go to the Philippines Country Report.

Please pray that our brothers and sisters in this part of the world will continue to place their hope in the Lord and will be able to forgive their persecutors. May He provide for all their needs and, in time, let them know when it's safe to return to their homes. Pray that the perpetrators will come to know His love, forgiveness and blessing through the witness of these faithful Christians (Romans 1:16).

Country Information

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 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.

end

Select a Region

Philippines News

  • Bomb Blasts Kill At Least Twenty
    Damage inside the Jolo Cathedral

    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 soldi

    ...
  • Hostages Escape Militant Captivity

    A beach in the Philippines

    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

    ...
  • Young Girl's Unwavering Faith

    A group of Filipino girls
    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

    ...
  • Persecution Incidents on the Rise

    Philippines map and flagNine 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

    ...