The killing of 22 Sunday Massgoers and the maiming of more than 100 others in Jolo’s Catholic cathedral in January 2019 removed all doubt about the continuing threat posed by Islamist militants. Fear was still high following on from the siege of Marawi by Islamist extremists, who were finally defeated in October 2017 after a five-month siege. Much of Marawi city was damaged including the Catholic Cathedral. Vicar General Father Teresito Suganob and 15 other Christians were kidnapped.(1) Over that time, more than 1,000 people died and 400,000 were displaced. President Rodrigo Duterte has been antagonistic to the Catholic Church throughout his time in office, calling Catholic clergy “sons of bitches” for criticising his shoot-to-kill drugs policy. Various Catholic organisations have been targeted by government agencies. The Catholic Media Network radio broadcaster had its licence renewal blocked in Congress.(2) A number of priests have been shot by unknown assailants. Such attacks may have been provoked by opposition to their activism in upholding the Church’s social teaching. For example, Father Marcelito Paez was killed after helping to get a political prisoner released.(3)
PAKISTAN
Christians are subject to violent persecution and discrimination, much
