Philippines ready to use “forces” to quell any secession attempt – official
Manila, The Philippines Reuters The Philippine Government is ready to use “authority and forces” against attempts to divide the nation, a security official said Sunday, after former President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to separate some southern islands from the rest of the archipelago. Duterte has called for the independence of his hometown Mindanao from the Philippines […]
In The Philippines, Mindanao Christians present ‘policy agenda’ for new Muslim region
World Watch Monitor Christian leaders have submitted a “Christian policy agenda” to the transitory body that will facilitate the formation of a new autonomous Muslim region in the southern Philippines, reports the Catholic news website UCAN. The agenda, put together after consultations last month in several areas set to become part of the new region, was […]
Fears new Muslim region in southern Philippines could spark Christian exodus
World Watch Monitor Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has called on all communities in the southern Mindanao region to support the Bangsamoro Organic Law that is to facilitate the creation of an autonomous Muslim region. During a ceremony on Monday, 6th August, he urged the local population “to actively participate in constructive discussions about the law”, which will […]
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 […]
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 […]