Santosh Digal

Charges of "armed insurrection" against the perpetrators of the massacres. A choice criticized by human rights activists because it opens the door to a possible pardon by the Head of State. The appeal of the Catholic Church for the disarmament of all militias, for peace and security.

An arsenal of weapons discovered near the villa of those responsible for the massacre of 57 people. Martial law has not be applied for 28 years. A commission to eliminate private armies launched. The appreciation of the Church for an end to "the culture of impunity."

From 26 November to 2 December in the southern archipelago Christians and Muslims united for peace. Prayers for the victims of the massacre in Maguindanao and for a final agreement between Manila and Muslim rebels. Catholic priest: we must protect our "common homeland".

A 400-men battalion brings troop level to more than 3,000. Soldiers are to prevent members of Ampatuan clan from fleeing. Andal Ampatuan, the current provincial governor, is accused of ordering the 23 November massacre of 57 people.

Crisis makes debt repayment harder for migrant workers. Some have already gone to jail because of that. Foreign workers represent 80 per cent of Dubai’s workforce.

A group of 200 Catholic students is promoting different attitudes towards sex among teenagers and your people based on the notion of responsibility and Christian values. For the Church, young people must be helped to view sexuality “as a gift of God for human” for “spiritual intimacy in the context of sacrament of marriage”.

the Fifth Asian Youth Day began on November 20, ended yesterday in Cavite (Manila). Over 2000 participants from 22 countries of the continent. The next event in Seoul (South Korea) in 2012.

The bishops speak of an "unprecedented" massacre and invite the government to "heal the deep wound" inflicted on the country and the "democratic institutions". Ishmael Mangudadatu formalises their candidacy in the elections of 2010. Yesterday in Mindanao a local UNICEF employee killed.

Today the fifth Asian Youth Day opens in Cavite (Manila). Participants come from 22 countries. A large delegation is from mainland China.

The bill was signed into law on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Under the new act, anyone who produces, distributes or publishes child pornography can be fined or sent to jail. Catholic movements are helping abandoned youth

Clergymen and tribal leaders oppose the government’s decision to end moratorium on nickel mining on the island fearing it would seriously damage the environment. Mining operations are expected to cover 20 per cent of the island’s land mass, displacing more than 20,000 indigenous people.

The missionary is coming at the end of November on a four-day visit to the place where he carried out his mission and where he was abducted. Nothing is known about his next assignment. Fr Sinnott wants to go back among the people of Mindanao.