Santosh Digal

On January 29, the National Congress of Filipino priests concluded in Manila. Entitled "Faithfulness of Christ, faithfulness of priests". The meeting, which lasted 6 days, was an opportunity for priests to renew the meaning of priestly mission and the role of the priest in modern society.

A shortage in rainfall is reducing reservoir water levels. Sugar prices jumps 20 per cent in a few weeks. Over the next six months, plantations could lose up to US$ 215 million. Government urge people to ration water in the home, at work and in shopping venues.

A Filipino nurse with ten years in Saudi Arabia talks about the dramatic situation of Christian workers, forced to embrace Islam just to keep their job. Despite abuses and violence, migrants still choose the Middle East because of the availability of work.

Over 5 thousand priests attended the meeting being held from January 25. It was organized by the Conference of Bishops on the occasion of the Year for Priests and will end on 29 January. Participants include Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, preacher to the Papal Household and Maria Voce President of the Focolare Movement.

With 900,000 employees and billions of dollars in business, call centres are a key industry for the Philippines. However, gruelling night shifts generate stress and anxiety among workers, who often are unable to see their families or even go to Sunday Mass.

A priest and a group of catechists helping over 150 drug dealers and their families to find an alternative to poverty.

The Philippine Church reaffirms its commitment to life and challenges the law on reproductive health. Bishops and priests invite the faithful to consider the best interests of society rather than individual interests and vote according to Christian values.

On 12 January, the Supreme Court of the Philippines strikes down a resolution of the Commission on Elections and readmits gay and lesbian party. For Filipino bishops, the presence of such a party in congress will lead to the legalisation of same-sex marriage, sexual anarchy and the destruction of family values.

The attacks against churches are against the teachings of Islam. Also condemned by the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). 8 January, 9 houses of worship targeted by Islamic fundamentalists after the decision of the High Court of Malaysia to allow Christians to use the word Allah in books and newspapers. Also yesterday the office of the Catholics lawyers attacked.

The second session of the trial against Andalo Ampatuan jr. ended today in Quezon City. Rasul Sangki former member of Ampatuan clan present at the massacre says the accused fired the shot that started the massacre of 23 November claiming the lives of 57 people.

The measure came into effect Sunday in 15 provinces and will last until 9 June. More than 50,000 police agents and soldiers will man 3,500 checkpoints. Their task is to prevent more politically motivated massacres like the one that occurred in Mindanao on 23 November. In 24 hours, 71 people are arrested. In Mindanao, the defence minister calls for the cooperation of bishops and ulama to dismantle private armies set up by political leaders. Human rights activists fear violations by military and police. Bishop calls for total fight against culture of impunity; a gun ban is not enough.

The blast took place yesterday morning shortly before mass. Abu Sayyaf Muslim rebels main suspects of the attack. In recent months, two grenades have exploded near the cathedral. The last attack dates to 31 December. Sulu Bishops says Church will not close its mission in Jolo.