Churchgoers Abducted by Islamic Militants in Philippines

A priest and churchgoers have been abducted by a group of Islamic militants inspired by ISIS in the Philippines. The militants from the group known as Maute have threatened to kill the hostages if government forces do not withdraw. This kidnapping is a direct targeting of Christianity by Muslim militants. The conflict, which has lasted for hours in Marawi on Mindanao island and is still ongoing, occurred after government forces tried to arrest a militant Islamic leader. Gunfire broke out, and Maute called on another Islamic militant group known as Abu Sayyaf to reinforce them. The city is on lockdown. The churchgoers and the priest are the only known hostages taken in the conflict so far. The militants have burned the Catholic church, a jail, two schools, and set up checkpoints in the streets.

For full story here’s the link: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/05/mindanao-churchgoers-hostage-marawi-siege-170524085829461.html

Prayer Point:

• Pray for the safety and wellbeing of the Priest and churchgoers , may the abductors will release them unharmed and for his safe return to their family.
• Pray for the government to extend all resources and urgency to locate the abductors and secure the safe and release them.
• Pray for the security of this city.