Philippines - Country profile

Though a predominantly Christian country, the faithful in parts of the Philippines do face difficulties.

Many of the problems have occurred on the island of Mindanao, where attacks and kidnappings have been perpetrated against Christian communities by Islamist extremists, including the kidnapping of Father Michael Sinnott, an Irish missionary priest.

Mindanao is the subject of an ongoing struggle between the Philippine Army and Islamic extremist groups belonging to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Abu Sayyaf, a terrorist group linked to al-Qaeda.

The extremists have fought to create an independent Islamic state. In 1987 the central government created the “Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao” covering much of the island, but the MILF was not happy with the result and clashes with the army have continued.

In Mindanao the Bishops-Ulema Conference (BUC) has been working to promote peace. Composed of 24 Catholic bishops, 18 Protestant leaders and 24 ulemas (Muslim scholars), it organises a ‘week for peace in Mindanao’ each year.

When hostilities between the army and the MILF resuming between April and May 2009, the BUC organised about 300 discussion groups across the island, bringing together more than 6,000 people from different social and ethnic groups.

Under President Gloria Arroyo’s government, the number of extra-judicial killings has risen significantly. Victims were often human rights activists and priests, who defended those farming the land.

The crimes were concentrated in areas of conflict between the Philippine army and the New People’s Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Using the excuse of fighting the rebels, the army has committed abuses of power against the civilian population, killing or imprisoning those who criticise the military.

Key projects

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  Bringing Christ to the remotest parts

  "Poor though they are, they are rich in faith," says Father Melvin about the parishioners of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on the Filipino island of Tablas. Thanks to you, Father Melvin has been able to finish his most urgent task – building a chapel in Cawayan, the most remote and inaccessible village in his parish.
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  Strengthening the family

  The late Cardinal Jaime Sin was a great supporter of the Apostolate for Family Consecration. This Apostolate provides Catholic teaching on how to live together happily as a family, to love one another and stick together at all times. With your help, 10,000 copies of a catechism for families have been printed to support this vital work.
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  A chance of hope of and dignity

  The Sisters working in the slums of Manila, the Filipino capital, care for the poorest of the poor. Above all they are concerned for the countless vulnerable girls living in these conditions, many of whom slide into prostitution. Thanks to your support, the Sisters will be able to provide a home for more children, offering them the chance of a life lived with hope and dignity.
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Last updated: 23/03/2011