SIPADAN ISLAND, Malaysia — The release of 12 evangelists held hostage in the southern region of Mindanao has highlighted how dangerous this area remains for Christians, despite the Philippines being known as “Asia’s only overwhelmingly Christian country.”
After abducting 21 tourists from Sipadan Island, Malaysia, in early June, the Muslim rebel force Abu Sayyaf first made a condition for their release, which was “the removal of all Christian missionaries in the southern Philippines.”
This condition was soon dropped in the desire for money. On July 1 during negotiations, a team of 12 Filipino evangelists went into the camp where the hostages were being held to pray for them. All 12 were taken hostage.
A military operation launched September 16 managed to effect their release Oct. 2.
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