Muslim militants target clergy in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — The murder of Father Reynaldo Albores Roda Jan. 15 was the latest in a series of attacks on church leaders in the Philippines in recent years by a complex array of splinter groups fighting for independence from the central government.

With threats growing against Christian clergy in the south, many are increasingly being assigned soldiers as bodyguards. Police in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao the week of Jan. 21 reportedly confirmed threats against local and foreign Catholic priests in some areas of the region. At press time, armed soldiers were reportedly taking up positions outside some churches to protect against attacks.