Pastor executed by communist rebels in Philippinesby Staff
August 13, 2008
(christiansunite.com) - Communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels in the Philippines have executed a Christian pastor whom they accused of aiding soldiers in anti-insurgency campaign in Mindanao, a regional Army spokesman said on July 30.
Lt. Col. Kurt Decapia said soldiers had recovered the body of Josefino Estaniel (45), a pastor of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, from a shallow grave in Dalagdag village in Calinan district in Davao City. According to reports, the pastor, who had been kidnapped in May, had been subjected to torture during his captivity.
Pray for the family of Pastor Estaniel during this time of grief. Pray for the safety of other church leaders in the region. There has been a sharp rise in attacks and threats on Christians, and especially church leaders, in recent weeks. On July 29, armed men stopped a mini-bus and murdered four Christian male passengers execution-style in Mindanao. A fifth passenger is still missing. Pray that he might be found alive and returned to his family.
Learn more about the persecution facing Christians in Philippines at
www.persecution.net/philippines.htm.
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