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Persecution News - Philippines

Update: Kidnapped priest released
(November 18, 2009)

Update: Kidnappers demand ransom for priest
(November 04, 2009)

Update: Kidnapped priest alive but ailing
(October 28, 2009)

Elderly priest kidnapped
(October 14, 2009)

Priest slain by unknown assailants
(September 09, 2009)

Philippines Profile

Total Area:
300,000 sq. km

Population:
92,681,453 (July 2008 est.)

Ethnicity:
Tagalog 28.1%, Cebuano 13.1%, Ilocano 9%, Bisaya/Binisaya 7.6%, Hiligaynon Ilonggo 7.5%, Bikol 6%, Waray 3.4%, other 25.3% (2000)

Language:
Filipino (official; based on Tagalog), English (official), and eight major dialects

Religion:
Roman Catholic 80.9%, Evangelical 2.8%, Iglesia ni Kristo 2.3%, Aglipayan 2%, other Christian 4.5%, Muslim 5%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.6%, none 0.1% (2000)

Government Type:
Republic

Capital:
Manila

Population Below Poverty Line:
30% (2003)

Country Reports

Elderly priest kidnapped

October 14, 2009

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.