Santosh Digal

This latest murder on 8 October at Surigao del Sur recalls the killing of a leader of the same Protestant denomination, Alberto Ramento, a few days earlier. The church leaders told AsiaNews about the excessive haste of official investigations that cover up political crimes with the excuse of theft.

In 1981, John Paul II dedicated the Philippines and all Asia to Mary, Queen of the Rosary, with the title of La Naval. The feast recalls five battles back in 1646, won by the Filipinos against Dutch invaders, thanks to the rosary and the Blessed Virgin's intercession.

Alberto Ramento, a leader of Aglipayan's Protestant community, was stabbed to death by two unknown assailants on 3 October in Tarlac City. He is remembered as a peace advocate and a man for others, especially the poor and the oppressed.

Benedict XVI has offered "fervent prayers" for people who were killed, lost and displaced by typhoon Milenyo that struck Bicol region last week with winds of more than 140 kilometres per hour.

The European Union's 2006 bilateral overview noted that economic growth in the Philippines was hindered by unemployment and an unstable domestic scenario. It called on the country to enhance its international credibilty.

A document signed by members of the Bishops-Ulama Conference of the Philippines stresses that only dialogue between the Islamic rebels and the government could resolve the conflict and restore normality in the area. The same invitation to talks came from the 16 Royal Sultanates in Mindanao.

A confidential report drawn up in May confirmed fraud took place to the detriment of one of Arroyo's contenders: Fernando Poe Jr was illegally deprived of at least 600,000 votes.

Faysah RPM Dumarpa, elected in the district of Lanao del Sur, has encouraged the global Muslim community to understand the pontiff's words in Regensburg and to celebrate Ramadan in peace and understanding.

The cardinal, archbishop of Cebu City, will "host" the twelfth summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. He has made an appeal through AsiaNews to "those without scruples" so that nothing will happen to Asian leaders gathered in the Philippines.

A report released at the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund-World Bank suggests that East Asia is undergoing an economic "renaissance" but must deal with growing social inequalities, corruption and environmental degradation.

The Filipino Bishops' Conference met representatives of different groups of emigrants. The bishops have urged all those working abroad to carry a smiling face and a new way of living their faith wherever they go.

In the closing ceremony of the Third National Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Monastery, the prelate tells the faithful and the nation's political leaders to perform their duty