Christians killed for refusing to cite Muslim creed

Christians killed for refusing to cite Muslim creed

MINDANAO, Philippines — Eight Christians were among 19 civilians killed by an Islamic extremist group in the Philippines on May 23. And more than 100 others have been killed since the assault, according to media reports.

Government investigators said the eight slain Christian laborers had fled Marawi and were on their way to the neighboring city of Iligan when dozens of armed Maute militants stopped them. The Islamist militants tied their hands and shot them after the Christians refused to recite the Muslim conversion creed. Their bodies were reportedly thrown into the ditch and a signboard was placed beside them reading “Munafik,” which means “traitor” or “liar.”

They are the first Christians slain in the ongoing battle for Marawi City, capital of Lanao del Sur Province on the island of Mindanao, where more than 200 people reportedly have been taken hostage. An estimated 200,000 people have fled the city.

The Maute Group is one of the newest but most feared terror groups in the southern Philippines. Based in Central Mindanao, the Maute Group, locally known as the Islamic State in Lanao, was founded by brothers Omar and Abdullah Maute and originally had an estimated 100 members. Intelligence reports indicate they have joined forces with other terror groups operating in the southern Philippines. (MS)