Persecution

The Phillippines enjoys relative freedom in the pursuit of religion and indeed every variant of religion can be found there. This is the only officially Christian country in Asia, but fundamental Christianity is only now getting a strong foothold in this country consumed with idolatry and ceremony. The Philippines has also become a breeding ground for cults and some of these have enough influence to effect the government. But the biggest threat to life and security is the element of radical Islam which has invaded the lifestyle of every FIlipino and destroyed the tourist industry.

Various Islamic extremist groups exist in the southern part of the country. The most infamous groups are the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Abu Sayyef (ASG). Both are splinter groups of the former Islamic Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), which signed a peace agreement with the government in 1996. The ASG has been responsible for several terrorist acts, including kidnappings. The goal of the MILF and similar groups is to declare an independent, Islamic state in Mindanao. (persecution.org)

 But recently, one of the greatest problems facing the people 

of the Philippines has been the violent actions of Muslim insurgents in the region. For about 30 years, Abu Sayyaf (a rebel group alleged to have ties to Al-Qaeda) has violently attempted to establish a Muslim dominance and independence in the south. One of the group's incidents of violence that received wide press coverage was the taking of 20 hostages from a tourist hotel by Abu Sayyaf in May of 2001, and the sub-sequent murders of two of those hostages - one being New Tribes Missions missionary Martin Burnham.The rebels have also claimed responsibility for a number of bombings in recent months that resulted in scores of deaths and injuries. The US has maintained a military presence in the Philippines, working to support and train the Philippine army in fighting these desperate guerilla groups.