Islamic Jihadists Target Christians in the Southern Philippine Island of Mindanao
ICC NOTE: As the Islamic State continues to influence radical Islamists across the globe, well established terror groups like Abu Sayyaf in the Philippines have increased their activities. Recently they entered the news over the executions of Canadian workers who were taken hostage. Now according to Fr. Sebastiano D’Ambra, who has been in the region for 40 years, the rise in attacks against the Christian community is becoming unbearable. Mindanao boasts a large percentage of Muslims compared to the predominately Christian northern Islands.
7/29/2016 Jolo, Philippines (Asia News) – Fr Sebastiano D’Ambra, president of the Silsilah Dialogue Movement and a PIME missionary for over 40 years in Mindanao (southern Philippines), has issued an appeal “to stop killing Christians in Jolo”.
The clergyman points to the situation of fear and danger felt by Christians in the aforementioned city in Sulu province, a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf jihadist group.
“A Christian was killed in Jolo a few days ago,” Fr D’Ambra says. A “a reliable source told me that 20 Christians have been targeted to be killed or kidnapped soon. In the midst of so many good Muslim leaders and friends of Jolo the Christian community is suffering a form of persecution from those who are guided by bad elements who claim to do it in the name of Islam.”
Founded 30 years ago by Fr D’Ambra, the Silsilah Forum is a movement for dialogue and peace between Muslims and Christians. It still follows many interfaith groups in Mindanao, a region that is home to a large Muslim community, and a hideout for many fundamentalists and separatists.
“Why are the national and local leaders of different sectors in authority silent? And why do those who have power not act and find proper solutions?” the clergyman asks.
Unfortunately, “The past beautiful relationship among Christians and Muslims in Jolo is no longer a reality there. Many Christian Chinese have left and many other Christians are planning to leave if they have a chance.”
He makes “appeal to all, especially to you Muslim leaders, who are part of the Silsilah Dialogue Movement as part of the Interfaith Council of leaders (IFCL)”.