Marawi Catholics accompany Muslims in Ramadan fast in The Philippines
World Watch Monitor Catholic and Muslim residents of the battle-scarred city of Marawi, in the southern Philippines, started the Islamic month of fasting together this week, as part of a local tradition dating back almost 40 years. As Ramadan began on 13th May, Christian families were encouraged to “accompany their Muslim neighbours in fasting, prayer […]
Mindanao in The Philippines gets first Christian deputy governor
World Watch Monitor The autonomous Muslim region in the southern Philippines has named its first deputy governor for Christians. Governor Mujiv Hataman said the appointment of Edgardo Ramirez, a known human rights activist and radio broadcaster, would ensure the voices of Christians – a minority in the region – are heard. After taking office on […]
Marawi’s rebuilding yet to start, despite warning that defeating extremism depends on it
World Watch Monitor Four months after the battle ended over the southern Philippines city of Marawi, Muslim leaders have called on people to stop posting divisive information on social media. Rumours were spread via social media in recent weeks, saying that the Catholic cathedral, which was severely damaged during the conflict last year, would be rebuilt […]
The rebuilding of Marawi in The Philippines goes beyond infrastructure
World Watch Monitor An evacuation centre in Marawi, southern Philippines in June 2017. PICTURE: World Watch Monitor. Two months after the southern Philippines’ city of Marawi was liberated from Islamic extremists, hundreds of thousands of its inhabitants are still living in temporary shelters outside the city, not knowing where to start with the rebuilding of […]
Philippines priest describes ‘nightmare’ ordeal in Marawi
World Watch Monitor Fr Teresito “Chito” Suganob in a still taken from a video shortly after his release. The Catholic priest held captive by Islamic militants in the Philippines city of Marawi has described his 116 days in captivity as “a nightmare”, reports UCA News. Father Teresito Suganob spoke about his ordeal as he returned to […]
Philippines: Marawi liberated but root cause of extremism remains
World Watch Monitor Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte declared “Marawi City liberated from the terrorist influence” this week after the military killed two of the ring leaders behind the five-month assault on the city, but a religious freedom expert has warned the “killing of militant leaders does not destroy the fighters behind them”. Isnilon Hapilon, seen as the […]
Islamic group vows to help Catholics with Marawi’s rebuilding in Philippines
World Watch Monitor A programme launched by the Catholic Church, aimed at rebuilding the city of Marawi in the southern Philippines after months of fighting between Islamist groups and the military, has received support from the country’s largest Muslim rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. According to AsiaNews, the rebel group is to provide security for […]
Filipino priest Teresito Suganob free after four months as hostage
World Watch Monitor Catholic Filipino priest Teresito “Chito” Suganob is finally free, having been held hostage by Islamic State-linked militants for almost four months in the war-torn city of Marawi. According to The New York Times, the priest was rescued late on Saturday by the Philippines military, as it moved closer to rooting out the remaining gunmen from one […]
Bishop of Marawi calls for saving lives to be “priority” in retaking Philippine city
The Catholic Bishop of Marawi has urged Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte and the nation’s military to ensure saving lives is their priority in retaking the remainder of the southern city of Marawi from Islamic extremists. Bishop Edwin de la Peña said in comments to Agenzia Fides late last week that with much of the city […]
Three months on: Islamists still hold Christian hostages, as Marawi residents start to rebuild
World Watch Monitor More than three months after it first attacked the city of Marawi in the southern Philippines, the Maute terrorist group is on the run while still apparently holding 46 hostages, including Catholic priest Teresito “Chito” Suganob and 13 children. Almost half a million Marawi residents are displaced as a result of fighting that destroyed […]