Philippines (MNN) — The government and published new sources report that armed soldiers are being placed outside of churches and parishes to protect foreign and local Christian workers.
This comes after a Christian worker was killed last Tuesday, reportedly by the Islamic extremist group Abu Sayyef. Abu Sayyef is listed as a terrorist organization in the United States, Europe and the Philippines. They are notorious for their kidnap-for-ransom activities which still takes place in the region. Seperatist groups have been fighting in the independent state for more than 30 years.
One news outlet said that police efforts in the area are working to neutralize the armed groups, and the military is ready if the threat becomes imminent.
An army major reported that the week before the murder, other foreign workers had received threats.
Despite the threats, workers have not requested to be transferred. One worker who has worked in the Philippines for two decades said times like these call them to continue to dialogue about peace and hope.
The Christian worker who was killed spent the last ten years doing outreach with poor among Samah and Tausog villagers.
