_WORLD WATCH______________________________
____________________ Philippines ________________

Bandits destroy village
Religious motives for attack
At least 10 Christian villagers were killed on New Year’s Eve when two Muslim bandit gangs attacked their village in the southern Philippines.

A military spokesman said at least 20 men attacked the village, apparently without provocation. Two people were killed and three wounded. Four more villagers and a bandit were killed when a second gang came to the area after hearing the shots. Four villagers were taken hostage as the gunmen left and were found dead the next day.

While the Philippines is a majority Catholic country, the country’s five million Muslims live mostly in the southern Philippines. Some Muslim extremists are fighting to establish an independent homeland. Lawlessness and banditry are rampant in the region.

Morning-after pill barred
Recognized as abortifacient
The Bureau of Food and Drugs of the Philippines has removed the “morning-after” pill, Levonorgestrel, from its approved Registry of Drug Products, and directed the recall of all existing stocks in the country, after determining that it is an abortifacient drug.

The government directive also prohibited further importation of the drug. The directive comes on the heels of a finding by the agency that the drug, taken within three days after intercourse, inhibits the implantation of the unborn child into his mother’s womb by rendering the womb inhospitable. The finding in October last year cited medical testimonies from local and foreign authorities gathered by Abaypamilya Foundation (Family Front International), a pro-life organization which initiated a complaint about the drugs.

Pro-lifers were thrilled with the news but warned that the Philippines would come under heavy pressure to reverse the decision from forces such as the UN, the World Health Organization, the World Bank, and International Planned Parenthood.

Back to Catholic World Report February 2002 Table of Contents