'People are frightened to go to Mass' in Mindanao

Italian missionary says threats from the Islamists are a constant.

Philippines:  Christians are living a life of fear in the southern Philippines due to increasing Islamism, says an Italian missionary.

"Before, the Philippines was a dream place for inter religious dialogue between Christians and Muslims … but now people are frightened even to go to Mass," said Father Sebastiano D'Ambra, the founder of the Silsilah Dialogue Movement, reported Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need.

"Before, the Philippines was a dream place for interreligious dialogue; there was complete harmony, but now the situation has changed completely," said the priest who is based in Mindanao where he has worked for dialogue and peace between Christians and Muslims for years.

"The threats from the Islamists are constant in the south of the country, above all on the island of Jolo," said Father D'Ambra who has lived in the Philippines for 40 years.

The priest said that behind the current complex situation there are hidden geopolitical and military interests.

"Previously, we were dealing with a traditional form of Islam, but now everything has changed; the violent tendencies have grown, and every time they get stronger," said Father D'Ambra.

"In Mindanao, once 80 percent of the population was Christian. Today it could be that only 60 percent are Christians, and the other 40 percent are Muslims," he said.

"The Christians are not happy. They are living in fear, terrified to speak out … despite the presence of the army," said Father D'Ambra, adding that many Christians are now leaving the region.

Source: UCAN