January 17, 2010 Earthquake like Haiti could happen in Philippines

An earthquake of similar strenght and destructive force could happen in Philippines according Dr. Jane Punongbayan of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology stating that, "it is not a matter of if, but when." She predicts an estimated 34,000 dead

The Philippines sits on what is called the "pacific ring of fire." And there is an earthquake every few days somewhere in the Philippines. There are 10 million people living in Manila and about 90 million people in the whole country. Some in the Philippines are trying to prepare for the disaster but with the poverty they have to deal with everyday an unforseen disaster does not take priority.

For the news story click HERE

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January 15, 2010 Philippines a dangerous country for Journalists

With the murder of over 30 journalists in the Novemeber 23 massacre by the accused Andal Ampatuan Jr. whose family controls the politics of the Maguindanao Province. They are loyal to the current president and have delivered blocks of votes in each of the recent national elections.

Esmael Mangudadatu, was running in opposition to the Ampatuan family and his wife was on going to register him as a candidate when she, supporters and over 30 journalists were murdered, 67 people in all. This occured in the Western part of Mindanao. It made the Philppines the most dangerous country in the world for journalists.

For a report click here.

The accused murderer Andal Ampatuan Jr.

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January 15, 2010 Concise History of Philippines

This is for those who know almost nothing about the Philippines. This site gives a concise history of the land, people, governments, and life of the Philippines. There are a couple of areas of generalization that are simplistic, but that is necessary to make the article a brief read. Click HERE to go directly to the blog.

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The Phlippine elections are coming May of this year and much prayer is needed. The Philippines is listed as being a country subject to nepotism, bribes and unethical practices. However, with the coming elections there is hope of electing leaders who are committed to bringing peace and prosperity to the people. There are many candidates running and it is a crucial time for the country. The country has imposed a ban on guns until the elections are over and already have detained over 70 people on weapons charges. In December the was a mass murder of 67 people, all politically motivated.

Please pray for the peaceful transtition of power and for the persons to be elected who shall most advance the Kingdom of God..

For a college paper reporting about the elections click HERE.

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Janurary 13, 2010 Development Continues in Mindanao Despite Terrorism

Ayala Land has announced an investment of 4.5 Billion pesos in construction of the largest mall in Mindanao in Cagayan De Oro. The development has already been aproved by the city of Cagayan. The mall will rival a similar project in Davao city. Constantino Jaraula, the mayor of Cagayan said the mall will be a destination for all of Mindanao and will be in the heart of the city. He thinks that the mall will highlight Cagayan has a "haven" for investment. Click here.

When I was in Cagayan I walked the streets in the heart of the city. There is a large market one block from the Jollibee. Any American visting Mindanao will probably end up at the Jollibee at some point. They serve the closest thing to an American Hamburger in Mindanao, however there are sevearl resturants like McDonalds who also serve a burger. In the mall closest to the Cagayan Airport, there is a Pizza Hut. I really wanted to eat there, not for the Pizza but for the fresh vegatables on the Salad bar, but instead it was decided by my companions to eat at a chicken resturant. I had two pieces of dark meat chicken with rice, the young man taking the order offered "garlic rice" but his accent was so thick that in the noise of the resturant I thought he said "garlic fries." I was so excited to get a treat of garlic french fries! But when the order arrived at our table I saw the rice!
Just outside of the restaurant was a kiosk selling Christian music. While my companions ate I decided to check it out. By far the most CD's were of Praise and Worship leader Don Moen. The Philippinos love to sing Praise Music.

In the heart of the city where the mall is going to be built there were many shops and street vendors. On one street, near the Jollibee, live animals were being sold, along with much fruit and vegatables.

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Janurary 11, 2010 Possible Malaysian Connection to bombing in Jolo

A Catholic church was firebombed in Jolo, this was probably the work of the terrorist group, Abu Sayyaf. In this incident the Fr. and the alter boy were the only two poeple there at the moment. The church had been firebombed before and a priest was killed HERE. However, this firebombing may be connected to a Supreme Court ruling in Malaysia allowing the use of the word "Allah" to refer to the Christian God by a Catholic publication. According to Jihad Watch CLICK HERE, the Supreme Court suspended the ruling in an effort to calm the Muslims who have firebombed several churches. There have been four or more, depending on the news reports, of firebombings in Malaysia, believed to be realated to a court decision.  Jihad Watch HERE reports that the 10% Christian poplation have used the word for many years and this is an excuse for the Muslim extremists to rally a protest. Most of the Christians in Malaysia are Chinese or Indian, however it is a Malay language publiction by the Catholic Church that is being protested. Several Catholic churches have been firebombed and at least one Pentecostal church was gutted.  According to the Jihad Watch the word "Allah" is used by Christians in other Mulism countires, like Egypt, to refer to the Christian God.

Pray that this violence does not spread to Jolo and other parts of Mindanao.
 

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Janurary 7, 2010 Abu Sayyaf is recuiting members.

The head of the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino, said that the Abu Sayyaf is on a recuiting campaign. Its total members are about 400. They are only down a few in number over the course of the last year. The commander stated that the stratagey to defeat the terrorist group will be to take out the leadership, he named several targets of the army. Historically, Abu Sayyaf has engaged in bombings, assassinations, kidnappings, and extortion. For the news story in the Manila Times click HERE.

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