Christian-Operated Refugee Camp for Indigenous People in the Philippines Burned

By Carlo Monzon 25 Feb, 2016 09:01 EST

A refugee camp for the indigenous Lumad people in the Philippines was burned down at around 2 a.m. on Wednesday. Various organization and certain officials suspect that the incident was carried out intentionally by paramilitary groups backed by the country's armed forces.

According to CNN, the camp was actually a dormitory inside the compound of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines or UCCP in Davao City. It was then converted into an evacuation center which housed over 700 Lumads who were displaced from their original homes.

As mentioned by the eyewitness, they saw unidentified men enter the camp and pour gasoline on one of the tents in the camp.

Groups supporting victims of the fire, including the labor organization Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and women's party list Gabriela, said that the Lumads believe that the camp was intentionally burned down by the Alamara, PhilStar has learned. This paramilitary faction, which is supported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, has been accused of harassing, abusing and even killing members of the indigenous group in the region in the past few months.

The KMU alleged that private entities have been using the Alamara to scare and forcefully evict the Lumads from their own lands in order to carry out various industrial operations in the area. In July of last year, local law enforcers and armed groups entered the compound and tried to eject the refugees.

"What are our national and local officials doing to protect the Lumad?" Terry Ridon, a representative of another political party list in the Philippines, said in a statement. "The Lumad evacuees, victims of internal displacement, have sought the refuge in UCCP, yet these paramilitary groups again proved that they will stop at nothing to harm them, even resorting to arson in this latest attack."

Another official added that the suspects violated the sanctuary offered by the church on the displaced individuals, UCA News reported.

Due to the incident, victims and their supporters are calling on the various national officials to carry out thorough investigations to bring the suspects to justice.

20 Bible passages to nurture a strong and enduring marriage

There is no magic in prayer verses, but there is power in God’s truth to bring forgiveness, healing, renewal, and restoration, no matter how disastrous things seem to be. God’s touch is broad, His love is immense, and His grace can cover everything. Prayer + God’s Word = Power, this is the formula God works His miracles through. We’ve picked out 20 Bible passages to pray for your marriage with, as listed below:
Thanksgiving Fair and Luncheon Hosted by River of Life Foundation, ROLCC New Wave English Ministry, and Santa Clara Mayor’s Office
Santa Clara, CA – November 1, 2024 – The River of Life Foundation, in collaboration with River of Life Christian Church’s New Wave English Ministry and the Santa Clara City Mayor's Office, is proud to announce the Annual Thanks Giving Fair and Luncheon scheduled for Saturday, November 16th, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on the River of Life Christian Church’s campus
Survey: Hong Kong teens generally identify with traditional Chinese cultural values
In order an effort to promote traditional Chinese culture, the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong, in collaboration with Macao YMCA, Guangzhou Suigang'ao Teenagers Institute, and the Teacher Chang Foundation of Taiwan, has conducted a survey on teens measuring their cultural awareness. They found that Hong Kong youths generally identify with and support the values of traditional Chinese culture.
Global Lutherans celebrate Reformation Day, ‘trusting in the power of grace in a merciless time’.
Yesterday, October 31, was Reformation Day, and Lutherans around the world held various events in commemoration. In Singapore, the Lutheran Church advocated for Christian communion, while the German Lutheran Church encouraged believers to face the challenge of “trusting in the power of grace in a merciless time.”
Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues
American churchgoers are looking for more than biblical explanation from their pastor each week. Many expect the sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues.

Christian-Operated Refugee Camp for Indigenous People in the Philippines Burned

20 Bible passages to nurture a strong and enduring marriage

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues American churchgoers are looking for more than biblical explanation from their pastor each week. Many expect the sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues.

Survey: Hong Kong teens generally identify with traditional Chinese cultural values

Global Lutherans celebrate Reformation Day, ‘trusting in the power of grace in a merciless time’.

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues

2.1M Korean Christians estimated at joint worship service to affirm family, oppose gay marriage, pray for nation

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues
American churchgoers are looking for more than biblical explanation from their pastor each week. Many expect the sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues.