UCA News
Contribute

Missionaries escape Basilan ambush

Incident comes four days after deadly attack on plantation workers
Missionaries escape Basilan ambush
Published: July 16, 2012 10:11 AM GMT
Updated: July 16, 2012 10:11 AM GMT

Two Claretian missionary priests, a deacon and a theology student narrowly escaped an attempted ambush by suspected Abu Sayyaf militants in Basilan province yesterday. The incident occurred four days after the al-Qaeda-linked terror group were thought to have killed eight people and wounded 22 others in an attack on plantation workers on the same road near the village of Tumahubong. Bishop Martin Jumoad of Isabela today confirmed that Fathers Elmer Cantular and Julius Boado were unharmed following the attack. "We escaped an ambush [yesterday]. It's good that nobody was killed or hurt," said the theology student, John Luis Guades, in a text message to ucanews.com yesterday. The priests were heading to Isabela town with their security escorts when gunmen attacked a group of government militia who were guarding the road where the priests were supposed to pass. Luckiiy, the priests' vehicle had been slightly delayed and avoided the initial attack because one of them had to bless the remains of one of the victims of last week's ambush, Bishop Jumoad said. "The priests were immediately taken to Tumahubong," he said. "They are safe and remain there now," the bishop said. Jumoad said he will visit the priests tomorrow "to show our moral support." It was unclear whether the priests were the target of the gunmen. The Claretians had issued a statement on Friday and challenged the government and the Catholic Church to do something about the ongoing violence in the province. Related reports Missionaries seek answers on Basilan violence Basilan ambush leaves 6 dead, 22 injured

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia