PHILIPPINES: Christian Villages Raided in Mindanao

Bulletin Date: 21 August 2013

Two Christian villages were raided on July 29 and 31 in Mindanao by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Villagers report that over 70 armed men reached the villages by driving large boats up nearby irrigation canals. They began firing their weapons and ordering everyone out of their houses. The men then spread out through the villages, ransacking the houses, killing the villagers' pigs and loading the boats with food, utensils, clothing and animals. A leader of one village was shot and killed as he tried to run for help. Some villagers were held by the BIFF to be used as human shields in case the military tried to intervene, but they were released when the rebels left.

The villagers have taken refuge at a temporary evacuation center and fear returning to their homes. Some go to their farms during daylight hours and return to the center at night. VOM is providing relief supplies.

VOM Sources

Please Pray!

 

Please pray for the family of the man who was killed in the attack. Pray that God will restore the villagers materially and emotionally. Pray for the safety of the villages and residents, and that the members of the BIFF will come to trust Christ as their Lord and Saviour.

"The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You." 

Ps.  9:9-10

VOM assists Christians in the Philippines through its Families of Martyrs fund and VOMedical, as well as other means of assistance.

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