02/27/2019 Philippines (International Christian Concern) – In a report submitted to the United Nations on February 21, the Philippine government has accused several church organizations with having links to the communist underground movement.

According to UCA News, Manila submitted the report to the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, alleged that groups like the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines and the Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation allied with the rebels to traffic tribal children.

The Rural Missionaries of the Philippines is an inter-congregational and inter-diocesan organization of religious women and men, who live and work in rural poor communities, whereas the Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation, an ecumenical church group, has been setting up tribal schools in rural areas in Mindanao.

A local nun Mary John Mananzan told UCA News that the government has been “recycling lies.”

“It is another example of how this administration will do anything to demolish those who dare to oppose it,” she said, warning that it might pave the way for a wider crackdown against activists who stand alongside indigenous people to protest destructive mining and plantation projects.

For interviews with Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected].